South Africa holds approximately three-quarters of the world's viable chromite ore reserves and is one of the largest ferrochrome producers. It is impossible to completely exclude oxygen from all high-temperature ferrochrome production steps, which results in the unintentional possibility of generating small amounts of Cr(VI) species that are generally considered as carcinogenic. In this study, Cr(VI) levels present in surface water within the vicinity of ferrochrome smelters located in the Bushveld Igneous Complex were monitored for a period of 1 year. The results indicated that surface water in the proximity of ferrochrome smelters was mostly unaffected by Cr(VI) pollution. Two surface water sampling sites were consistently impacted by relatively low level Cr(VI) pollution (annual mean values of 4.4 and 6.3 µg/ℓ, respectively), with no values in excess of the 50 µg/ℓ drinking water limit recorded. However, at two other surface water sampling sites, maximum Cr(VI) concentrations of 198 and 220 µg/ℓ were measured. The median Cr(VI) concentrations for these two sites were 1.8 and 1.9 µg/ℓ, respectively, indicating that Cr(VI) pollution of the surface water at these sites was erratic and most likely due to surface run-off. Although drinking water pollution was not the main focus of this paper, results indicated that drinking water in the proximity of most FeCr smelters was not polluted by Cr(VI). However, the annual mean Cr(VI) concentration of drinking water that originated from a borehole at one drinking water sampling site was 45.3 µg/ℓ, with several months exceeding the 50 µg/ℓ limit. Significant steps have, however, already been taken to remedy the situation.
South Africa is one of the leading ferrochrome (FeCr) producing countries. One of the main environmental and healthrelated issues associated with FeCr production is the possible generation of Cr(VI). However, Cr(VI) is not the only potential pollutant that has to be considered during FeCr production. Various water-soluble species are present in FeCr waste materials and in process water. Considering the size of the South African FeCr industry and its global importance, it is essential to assess the extent of potential surface water pollution in the proximity of FeCr smelters by such watersoluble species. In this study water conductivity was measured as a proxy of general water quality. Although deposition was not measured, comparison of surface water results indicated that atmospheric deposition of pollutants originating from FeCr smelting did not significantly impact surface water quality, but that surface run-off and/or groundwater leaching were the main contributors. At two FeCr smelters it was observed that these smelters did not impact surface water quality negatively. In contrast, surface water pollution originating from at least four FeCr smelters was apparent. However, only at one smelter did pollution result in surface water conductivity that indicated a water quality not fit for human consumption. No correlations could be made between potable water quality and possible pollution from FeCr smelters. Notwithstanding this limitation, it was found that potable water sampled at all sites complied with the conductivity criteria for human consumption.
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