Potential Contribution of Geogenic Chromium in Groundwater Contamination of a Greek Heavily Industrialized Area

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the potential contribution of geogenic chromium (Cr) to a contaminated aquifer of a heavily industrialized area in Greece. Until recently, high levels of Cr(VI) in the environment have always been attributed to anthropogenic activities, since the wide application of chromium in industry and the neglectful industrial waste disposal has in many cases resulted in serious soil and groundwater contamination incidents. However, a series of publications during the last decade have indicated that chromium might be of natural origin, as well. Therefore, a thorough literature review was performed and a comprehensive monitoring protocol, including a long series of water quality parameters, was adopted. Preliminary results indicate that the Cr(VI) plume in the study area is likely caused by a combination of geogenic and anthropogenic sources.