Chromium
formula: Cr; CAS Registry Number: 7440-47-3
Naturally occurring transition metal
Chromium is a ubiquitous chemical element, which mostly occurs as chromite ore (FeCr2O4) in nature. In metal working industries chromium is used in alloys and as surface coatings against corrosion. Other applications include catalysts, pigments, oxidants, tanning, and wood preservation. It enters the environment mainly through anthropogenic activities. Natural emission sources include volcanic action, weathering and biological processes. Chromium is found in the atmosphere, in soils, waters, plants and animals. It is essential for humans. Some chromium compounds, however, are
- highly toxic to humans
- carcinogenic
- mutagenic
- toxic to aquatic and terrestrial organisms in acute tests
- highly toxic to aquatic organisms in chronic and prolonged tests
- bioaccumulative, i.e. some organisms are capable to accumulate chromium
Recommended analysis examples
Search data
Specimen
| Common spruce | A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems. |
|---|---|
| Pine | A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems. |
| Lombardy poplar | A deciduous tree typical of ecosystems close to dense conurbations and an indicator for the characterisation of the immission situation during the vegetation period. |
| Beech | As the most dominant deciduous tree species in Central Europe, it plays a significant role in most nearly natural and also anthropogenically influenced forest ecosystems up to an altitude of 1100 m. |
| Common bladder wrack | Common brown alga of the coastal areas of the North and Baltic Sea |
| Suspended particulate matter | Fine insoluble mineral or organic particles in the water phase |
Sampling area
| BR/NP Berchtesgaden | The only high mountains national park in Germany and an area of the Limestone Alps with international relevance. |
|---|---|
| Saarländischer Verdichtungsraum | Important, old-industrialised conurbation in Germany. |
| Bornhöveder Seengebiet | Main watershed between the North- and Baltic Sea. |
| Rhein | Longest river in Germany. |
| NP Bayerischer Wald | The Bavarian Forest National Park is Germany's first national park. |
| NP Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft | National Park in the largest brackish water (Bodden) habitat of the world. |
| BR/NP Wattenmeere | National park in the world largest connected sand and mud flats. |
| Elbe | Fourth largest river area in Central Europe. |
| Dübener Heide | Region in the chemical triangle of Central Germany. |
| NP Harz | The Harz National Park is Germany's largest forest national park. |
| Solling | Second highest and largest low mountain range in Northern Germany. |
| BR Pfälzerwald | Germany's largest connected forest area in a range of low mountains. |
| Oberbayerisches Tertiärhügelland | The Upper Bavarian Tertiary Uplands are a part of the Southern German Molasse Basin. |
| Donau | Second largest river in Europe. |
Sampling period
1985 - 2010
Extended information
Links to external information and legislation
- STARS substance database - chromium: environmental behaviour, ecotoxicology, toxicology (German)
- PRTR Pollutant Release and Transfer Register - Chromium and compounds (as Cr): sources and quantities of emissions (German)
- GSBL Joint Substance Database Federation/Länder - Chromium: properties of environmental concern