Origin,properties and disposal problems of chromium ore residue

Chromium mining operations were conducted in the United States during the first fifty years of this century. During this period, large amounts of chromium waste were produced and used as fill in some areas. Over a period of time, toxic chromium compounds leach out of the ore residue. This poses a severe threat. Structural distress, ground and surface water pollution and parking lot deterioration have been reported in the areas where chromium residue was used as fill. Information regarding chromium residue disposal is rather limited and not readily available. The purpose of this paper is to address this problem and to discuss the production and properties of chromium, and the available technologies for the control and treatment of chromium residue.