A Review of Toxicological, Environmental and Health Effects of Chromium From Aqueous Medium; Available Removal Techniques



Hossini H¹ ; Makhdoumi P² ; Mohammadimoghadam F³ ; Ghaffari HR⁴ ; Mirzaei N^{5, 6} ; Ahmadpour M⁷
Source: Acta Medica Mediterranea Published:2016

Abstract

Heavy metals are unwanted pollutants introduced directly and indirectly into the environment and ecological currents through the discharge of industrial wastewaters. Many of them, like hexavalent chromium, easily enter biological organs resulting in acute toxicity and damage to kidney, liver, and lung due to their maximum oxidation state in comparison with their other compounds. On the other hand, they incur irrecoverable effects on the environment and ecosystems. Accordingly, human beings need processes and technologies to lessen the danger of these pollutants; in order to remove chromium from aquatic environments, various methods including physical, chemical, and biological methods have been important. Among them, reverse osmosis, ion exchange, electro dialysis, chemical deposition, and adsorption are popular. In practice, in order to apply each of the mentioned treatment methods, preliminary studies for applicability, the required expertise, and the costs of construction and operation are necessary.