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Virginia Tech

Cr(VI) Generation and Stability in Drinking Water

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The current US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total chromium of 100 ppb is under revision to consider a specific level for Cr(VI), which has a proposed MCL of 10 ppb in California. Cr(VI) is a suspected carcinogen, and interconverts with the other most commonly found chromium species, Cr(III). To regulate and further understand the behavior of Cr(VI) in water systems, appropriate sample preservation methods are essential for accurate measurements. The ammonia buffer (recommended by EPA) was proven to be the most effective preservation when a holding time of 14 days is considered. Apart from proper Cr(VI) preservation, sampling at an appropriate site is important for determining the public's exposure to Cr(VI). The proposed MCL for Cr(VI) in the state of California will be monitored at the entry point of distribution systems. To the extent that Cr(VI) is formed in the distribution system or in water contacting plumbing, measurements at the treatment plant might not reflect consumer exposure at the tap. Cr(VI) can be released to drinking water from Cr present in stainless steel alloys. At the maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL), Cr(VI) formation decreased in the order chlorine dioxide > chlorine > chloramine. Less Cr(VI) was released from stainless steel at lower pH in the presence of chlorine, but the opposite trend was observed for chlorine dioxide. Stainless steels with a higher chromium content tended to release more Cr(VI).

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Environmental Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2014

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Chittaladakorn, Kathita
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Edwards, Marc A.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • McNeill, Laurie
  • Vikesland, Peter J.

Subjects

dc:subject × 2

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
vt_gsexam:1707
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/54018

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Chittaladakorn, Kathita. Cr(VI) Generation and Stability in Drinking Water. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/54018