A simple analytical technique for the determination of hexavalent chromium in welding fumes and other complex matrices.

A systematic study of analytical methods for the determination of hexavalent chromium showed that currently existing techniques are unsatisfactory when used with welding fumes, the s-diphenylcarbazide method proposed by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health permitting less than 1% recovery of hexavalent chromium from synthetic welding fumes of known composition. A new (carbonate leaching) technique is proposed which permits better than 80% recovery of both soluble and insoluble chromium (VI). This technique is then used as part of a general method for the determination of total chemical composition as distributed among sample fractions of different solubility. The method is specifically designed for use in the analysis of small samples and is especially suitable for the routine evaluation of health risks as found in the work environment.