Chromium determination and speciation since 2000

Chromium is introduced into the environment by effluents in several industries. It is important to control this element since it is both toxic and carcinogenic. As its toxicity depends on its state of oxidation, it is especially interesting to determine its most abundant species, Cr(III) and Cr(VI). In this overview, we describe the requirements for chromium determination and speciation and review the analytical methods that have been used in these studies. Focusing in particular on developments since 2000, we examine the features of detection techniques, pre-treatments and applications of the various methods. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.