Chromium Speciation Analysis in Environmental and Biological Samples

Chromium speciation analysis addresses the distribution and quantification of chromium’s distinct oxidation states, principally trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), in complex environmental and biological matrices. Cr(III) occurs naturally and plays a role in human metabolism, whereas Cr(VI) is a recognised carcinogen that arises from industrial processes. Accurate speciation is essential because total chromium measurements obscure the vastly different toxicological profiles and mobility of each species. Analytical challenges include the prevention of interconversion during sample collection and preparation, suppression of matrix interferences and attainment of low detection limits in diverse media such as water, soils, sediments, plant tissues and foodstuffs. Modern approaches combine selective extraction protocols with hyphenated techniques—most notably high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS)—to achieve simultaneous separation and quantification. Complementary methods, including optical spectroscopies and sensor technologies, extend the capability for on-site screening and speciation imaging. Advances in sample preservation, column chemistry and detection systems have enhanced method robustness, while emerging materials such as metal-organic frameworks offer dual remediation and sensing functions. Globally, detailed speciation data inform regulatory standards for drinking water, occupational exposure limits and risk assessments of contaminated sites, guiding mitigation strategies and public health policies.

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Chromium Speciation Analysis in Environmental and Biological Samples publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in chromium speciation analysis in environmental and biological samples across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Speciation analysis: Separation and quantification of individual chemical forms of an element in a sample.

Cr(III): Trivalent chromium species, generally less mobile and essential at trace levels in biological systems.

Cr(VI): Hexavalent chromium species, highly oxidising, soluble and carcinogenic.

HPLC-ICP-MS: A hyphenated analytical technique combining liquid chromatography for species separation with mass spectrometry for elemental detection.

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR): An optical method that identifies molecular vibrations to characterise chemical bonds and functional groups.

Metal-organic framework (MOF): A porous crystalline material composed of metal ions linked by organic ligands, used for adsorption and sensing applications.

References

1. FTIR spectroscopy as a convenient tool for detection and identification of airborne Cr(VI) compounds arising from arc welding fumes. Journal of Hazardous Materials (2023).
2. Development of a Fast Method Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Coupled with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Exploration of the Reduction Mechanism of Cr(VI) in Foods. Toxics (2024).
3. Hexavalent chromium dual water remediation and sensing based on hybrid polymer/metal-organic framework composites. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (2024).