A novel sequential extraction method for the measurement of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) species distribution in soil: New insights into the chromium speciation

The distribution characteristics of Cr(VI) species in contaminated soil is crucial for soil remediation; however, there is currently a lack of methods for analysing anionic Cr(VI) species in soil. This study has developed a novel sequential extraction method for speciation of Cr(VI) and Cr(III). Besides extraction experiments, simulated chromium species were prepared to verify the presence of proposed chromium species. The results show that Cr(VI) species in soil can be categorized into water-soluble Cr(VI), electrostatically adsorbed Cr(VI), Cr(VI) specifically adsorbed by minerals containing exchangeable Ca2+, Cr(VI) specifically adsorbed by hydrous metal oxides, calcium chromate Cr(VI) and stable complexed adsorption Cr(VI). These Cr(VI) species can be selectively extracted by specific solutions through ion exchange or weak acid dissolution. The most stable Cr(VI) species is Cr(VI) complexed by hydrous iron oxides through bidentate ligand binding; only by dissolution of hydrous iron oxides can this Cr(VI) species be leached. The distribution of Cr(VI) species is closely linked to particular soil compositions including exchangeable Ca2+ and hydrous iron oxides which determinate the Cr(VI) adsorption in soil. Cr(III) species comprise Fe-Cr coprecipitate hydroxides Cr(III), Fe-Mn oxide-bound Cr(III), organic matter-bound Cr(III) and residual Cr(III). Their distribution depends on the types of reductants present in the soil. [Display omitted] •A sequential extraction method for speciation of Cr(VI) in soil has been developed.•Simulated Cr(VI) species were prepared to verify the presence of proposed Cr species.•Cr(VI) adsorbed on hydrous iron oxide by bidentate ligand binding is most stable.•Cr(VI) species distribution is linked to exchangeable Ca2+ and hydrous iron oxides.•Fe-Cr coprecipitate hydroxides is the most prevalent Cr(III) species in soil.