1. Chromium By: Ben Rivkin

2. Chromium (basics) Name: Chromium Symbol: Cr It is a steely-gray, lustrous, hard metal that takes a high polish and has a high melting point. Physical Properties: It is hard and resistant to corrosion. Chromium has a high melting point

3. History of Chromium History of Chromium: Chromium was discovered by Louis-Nicholas Vauquelin. He discovered it while experimenting with Siberian red lead. In 1798 he was surprised the he was able to obtain metallic chromium by simply heating chromium oxide in a charcoal oven. Today people primarily get chromium by heating the mineral Chromite

4. Use of Chromium in Industry/ Society Uses of Chromium: Chromium is mostly used in the making of stainless steel as well as nickel. It is used to make these because it prevents corrosion and discoloration of steel. The Federal government is researching how to reduce U.S. vulnerability to potential chromium supply interruption.

5. Toxic effects and symptoms on humans as well as plants and animals. Chromium is one of the key minerals involved in controlling both blood sugar levels and fat levels. Functions of Chromium in the body Regulation of blood sugar Moderates cholesterol levels Contributes to lean muscle mass Promotes arterial health Boosts immune system Stimulates protein synthesis

6. How does Chromium enter the water supply How chromium enters the water supply: Chromium is a naturally-occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants, and soil. It can just flow into it. Chromium can change from one form to another in water and soil, depending on the conditions present.

7. Exposure limits of Chromium in water The exposure of chromium in drinking water should not exceed 1 mg/L per day according to the EPA. According to the FDA, the chromium concentration in bottled drinking water should exceed 0.1 mg/L The maximum contaminant level of chromium is 100.

8. Occurrences of Chromium in water supply The ground water can contain up to 39 µg of total chromium of which 30 µg is present as Cr(VI). Chromium is a naturally-occurring element found in rocks, animals, plants, and soil. Basically it can just fall into water or flow into it.

9. Steps to prevent Chromium in water supply It cannot normally be found in groundwater and surface water in considerable concentrations. Specific removal in sewage water treatment is therefore unusual. Chromium removal from water is optional, because both ion exchangers and active carbon can be used for this purpose.

10. Bibliography Bibliography Citations Stwertka, Albert. A Guide to the Elements. New York: Oxford UP, 1996. Print. Guertin, Jacques, James A. Jacobs, and Cynthia P. Avakian. Chromium (VI) Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC, 2005. Print. "Chromium." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 23 Nov. 2010..

11. True or False The symbol for Chromium is Co? Chromium prevents corrosion and discoloration of steel? Chromium can change from one form to another? Chromium is always found in ground water? Chromium regulates of blood sugar?