Distribution and bioavailability of Cr in central Euboea, Greece
2010
Megremi, Ifigeneia (Department of Economic Geology & Geochemistry, Faculty of Geology & Geoenvironment, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens)
Plants and soils from central Euboea, were analyzed for Cr<sub>(total)</sub>, Cr(VI), Ni, Mn, Fe and Zn. The range of metal concentrations in soils is typical to those developed on Fe-Ni laterites and ultramafic rocks. Their bioavailability was expressed in terms of concentrations extractable with EDTA and 1 M HNO<sub>3</sub>, with EDTA having a limited effect on metal recovery. Cr(VI) concentrations in soils evaluated by alkaline digestion solution were lower than phytotoxic levels.Chromium and Ni - and occasionally Zn - in the majority of plants were near or above toxicity levels. Cr(VI) concentrations in plants were extremely low compared to total chromium concentrations.Cr<sub>(total)</sub> in ground waters ranged from <1 μg.L<sup>-1</sup> to 130 μg.L<sup>-1</sup>, with almost all chromium present as Cr(VI). With the exception of Cr<sub>(total)</sub> and in some cases Zn, all elements were below regulatory limits for drinking water. On the basis of Ca, Mg, Cr<sub>(total)</sub> and Si ground waters were classified into three groups: Group(I) with Cr concentrations less than 1 μg.L<sup>-1</sup> from a karstic aquifer; Group(II) with average concentrations of 24 μg.L<sup>-1</sup> of Cr and relatively high Si associated with ophiolites; and Group(III) with Cr concentrations of up to 130 μg.L<sup>-1</sup>, likely due to anthropogenic activity. Group(III) is comparable to ground waters from Assopos basin, characterized by high Cr(VI) concentrations, probably due to industrial actrivities.
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