Related Experiment Videos
Chromite ore processing residue in Hudson County, New Jersey.
T Burke1, J Fagliano, M Goldoft
1Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Baltimore, MD 21205-1901.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Chromite ore processing residue contaminates over 130 sites in Hudson County, New Jersey, posing environmental and health risks. This chromium waste, from chemical manufacturing, leaches into the environment, impacting soil and water.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Chromite ore processing residue (COPR) is prevalent at over 130 sites in Hudson County, NJ.
- These industrial waste sites stem from 70 years of chromate and bichromate chemical manufacturing.
- Many COPR sites are situated in urban residential areas, increasing exposure potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the chemistry and environmental fate of COPR.
- To evaluate the health effects and human exposure potentials associated with COPR.
- To inform risk assessment and management strategies for contaminated sites.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of chromium concentrations and speciation in COPR.
- Assessment of leaching behavior and environmental transport mechanisms.
- Review of toxicological data and exposure pathways.
Main Results:
- High total chromium concentrations (>10,000 mg/kg) found at 15% of sites.
- Hexavalent chromium content ranges from 1% to 50% in the residue.
- Leaching leads to visible yellow contamination of surface water, soil, and building structures.
Conclusions:
- COPR represents a significant environmental contamination issue in Hudson County.
- The presence of hexavalent chromium necessitates careful management due to its toxicity.
- Further research is needed to fully understand long-term health impacts and effective remediation.