GEOCHEMICAL STUDY OF CHROMIUM IN THE AKTOBE REGION OF KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Chromium and its derivatives are extensively used worldwide in various industries, resulting in vast amounts of this metal being released into the environment. Chromium-VI is a well-known toxin and carcinogen generated by anthropogenic activities. Pollution with hexavalent chromium is a severe environmental concern in many countries, including Kazakhstan, since it is the first largest chromium manufacturer globally. In order to discharge the water bodies and soils contaminated with hexavalent chromium, it is essential to predict the physicochemical conditions prevalent in the aqueous environment and soil. If there is a prevalence of any waste and heavy metals, it is vital to treat the water prior to discharge. Several toxic chromium remediation strategies are being used worldwide; however, they have not been implemented in Kazakhstan yet. In this research, three methods of chromium reduction are proposed: chemical reduction, bacterial reduction, and ion exchange. A geochemical modeling study should make it possible to choose the accurate method for hexavalent chromium reduction.