Chromium is a tasteless, odorless metal that occurs naturally in soil, rocks, and animals as well. It appears in two ways, one of which the human body requires and the other of which is harmful. Trivalent chromium, also referred to as chromium-3, is the healthy form of the mineral and is essential for regulating blood sugar. Hexavalent chromium, often known as chromium-6, is the other kind of chromium and is a cancer-causing substance. Both forms of chromium can coexist, and they have the ability to change forms when subjected to external influences. Hexavalent chromium is hazardous, hence its presence in water supplies needs to be kept to a minimum to avoid unfavourable effects.
In this blog, you may learn about hexavalent chromium, covering what it is, how it contaminates water, and how to get rid of it from your water source.
What exactly is hexavalent chromium?
In the periodic table, chromium 6 is an element that is categorised as a metallic chromium. Hexavalent chromium is another name for the chemical element known as chromium 6.
There is no specific taste or aroma associated with chromium 6. Additionally, it naturally evolves in various types of soils, ores, volcanic dust, plants, animals, and even people. Chromium 6 is typically created via a variety of industrial techniques. Chromium 6, which is frequently used to make chrome plates and is a necessary component of stainless steel, is also used to make textile dyes and pigments, leather tanning, and wood preservation products. It has also been demonstrated that Chromium 6 is a great material for coatings that convert metals and are used to prevent corrosion.
Health Effects of Water Contaminated with Chromium 6:
Chromium 6 exposure seriously impairs the respiratory system. The severity of the harm might range from minor nose-inside irritants to more serious issues like asthma.
Additionally, it raises the risk of cancer because it is a chemical that is highly carcinogenic. According to a 2015 study, employees who were exposed to chromium 6 had a greater risk of stomach cancer. Evidence also suggests that it increases the chance of developing nose and lung cancer.
It can also affect reproduction by causing male somatic and spermatogonial stem cells to undergo apoptosis. As a result, sperm production is severely harmed, which has an impact on the capacity to reproduce.
How to check if water contains hexavalent chromium?
Hexavalent chromium testing is a quick and uncomplicated process. Chromium-6 can be detected with hexavalent chromium test strips at concentrations of 50 ppb to 5000 ppb. These strips must be used in conjunction with a photometer that automatically sends test results to your mobile device. These can be utilised for your home's pools, spas, wells, and other water sources.
Laboratory analysis is an alternate way of well water testing. A laboratory test will provide a detailed breakdown of the components in your water supply if you want to check for all potentially dangerous chemicals in your well water. Everything required to ship water to a laboratory for analysis is included in a Watercheck Test Kit. Finding a nearby laboratory is simple because the EPA has accredited laboratories in every state. After the samples are received, results are typically mailed and finished within 10 to 15 business days.
How do Commercial RO systems remove chromium from drinking water?
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are an excellent way to remove chromium 6 from drinking water. Large amounts of pollutants are simultaneously reduced and removed by the RO process, which typically involves at least one sediment filter and one activated carbon filter. Pumping water through a semi-permeable membrane is how reverse osmosis operates. Water is forced across the membrane in a manner similar to that of a high-pressure coffee filter. Such filters also eliminate arsenic, barium, copper, lead, fluoride, and chromium 6 with a filtration precision of 0.0001 micron. Chromium-6 typically has particles that are between 1.0 and 5.6 micrometres (m) in size. The micron rating of reverse osmosis membranes is typically around.0001 microns. As a result, reverse osmosis systems are extremely effective at eliminating chromium-6 and practically all other types of water pollutants.
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