Chromium speciation using sequential injection analysis and multivariate curve resolution

In this paper we develop a suitable method for the speciation of chromium in tanning and environmental water samples. We use sequential injection analysis (SIA) with a diode array detector linked to chemometric tools such as multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) to determine Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species. Although Cr(III) is an absorbent species, its sensitivity is much lower than that of Cr(VI). To increase its sensitivity, therefore, it was complexed with EDTA. This method involves generating a pH gradient in the system reactor that converts dichromate into chromate in such a way that, when the sample reaches the detector, selective areas are observed and a data matrix is obtained. Applying MCR enables Cr(III) and Cr(VI) to be successfully determined simultaneously in tanning and environmental wastewater samples.