1.

Abstract
The purposes of this experiment is to determinate of Chromium (VI) concentrations
via absorption spectroscopy and to determine the quantity of Cr (VI) present in a
polluted water sample using a spectrophotometer and a set of standard solutions.
The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample at Cheras (outlet) is 35.09
ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample at Seksyen 7 (100m from
inlet) is 74.44 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample at Cheras
(50m from inlet) is 136.94 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample
at Cheras (inlet) is 187.87 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water
sample at Seksyen 7 (50m from inlet) is 227.22 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in
the lake water sample at Seksyen 7 (inlet) is 275.83 ppm. Since the concentration of
Cr(VI) in the lake water samples are more than 0.100 ppm, they are unsafe and
cannot be used for public consumption.

2. Introduction
In this experiment, we had determined the concentration of chromium (VI) via
absorption spectroscopy to conclude whether the water sample is suitable for
drinking or agricultural process. Spectroscopy is the study about interaction between
matter and also radiated energy as a function of wavelength. In the past decades,
spectroscopy is used of visible light to dispersed according it owns wavelength. Now,
the concept had been expanded to comprise any interaction of radiated energy as
function of its wavelength.
Chromium (Cr) is included in heavy metals. It is odourless and tasteless metallic
element. Most common forms of chromium that present in drinking water are Cr (III)
and Cr (VI). It also naturally present in rivers, lakes and streams. Chromium (III) is
often added to vitamins as a diet supplement. It has low toxicity rather than Cr (VI).
Cr (VI) is more toxic and poses potential health risks. People that indigested or
inhaled Cr (VI) could experience allergic dermatitis.
Chromium is also necessary to enhance the actions of insulin and maintaining
normal metabolism for storage of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Lack intake of
chromium will cause the development of glucose intolerance and leads to type 2
diabetes. It also helps increase of HDL that is known as good cholesterol to
preventing heart disease. However, at higher dosage, it will leads to efficacy of
chromium in glycemic control, concern exist for potential genotoxic
Other than that, metallic chromium main uses are in alloys such as stainless steel,
chrome plating and metal ceramics. Chromium is unstable in oxygen, it will produce
a thin oxides layer that will impermeable to oxygen to protect the metal. Chromium
(VI) compound are powerful oxidants at low or neutral pH. It posing high risk to
humans and animals due to its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties.
In terms of environmental effects, chromium enters air, water and soil in the form of
Cr (III) and Cr (VI). Various activities that human had been done that increase the
concentration of chromium such as, chemical, textile and leather manufacturing,
electro painting.
Quantity of Cr (VI) present in polluted water sample will be detect using a
spectrophotometer and a standard solutions. From this we can conclude whether the
sample is suitable for drinking.

3. Objective
a) To determinate of Chromium (VI) concentrations via absorption spectroscopy.
b) To determine the quantity of Cr (VI) present in a polluted water sample using
a spectrophotometer and a set of standard solutions.

4. Theory
One common source of chromium contamination in natural waters is
automobiles as it is a component in various automobile brakes as well as parts of
engine. Chromium that is deposited on highroads originated from brake dusts and
exhaust of automobile engine can unfavorably permeate into any water streams
nearby via flowing rainwater. Lakes and water streams which is nearer a typical
congested with automobiles areas are the most susceptible areas to be
contaminated by such chromium.
Due to its cancer-risk character and toxicity even at mere concentrations, a lot
of federal environmental agencies are doing researches to determine its presence in
many environmental samples. Thus, in this experiment, absorption spectroscopy will
be used to detect low level concentration of Chromium (VI) in a lake water sample.
As a matter of fact, coloured aqueous solutions have chemical species
contents which absorb significant wavelengths of light. Similarly, heavy metals can
be identified via absorption of wavelengths of light. Furthermore, the amount of light
absorbed is linearly proportional to the concentration of the solution metal ions.
Absorption spectroscopy operates on the measuring principle of light before
and after it passes through an aqueous metal solution. The amount of light absorbed
by the chemical species in the sample is equivalent to the difference in the amount of
light before it enters the sample and after it exits the sample. For the purpose of light
to be absorbed by chemical species, the light must be set to a specific wavelength.
Every chemical species absorbs distinct wavelengths of light. In absorption
spectroscopy, the wavelengths of light absorbed by a metal in solution are detected.
In this experiment, standard solutions will be prepared by diluting 300 parts
per million of Chromium (VI) standard solution. Five standard solutions need to be
prepared from the concentrated Chromium (VI) standard solution. To calculate the
dilute solutions volume, the solution dilution formula can be used, as what is written
below :

(M1)(V1) = (M2)(V2).(1)

Quantitative analysis using spectrophotometer is based on Beer-Lambert Law :

A = LC

where
A = absorbance value (dimensionless, thus no units is represented)
= molar absorbance (L/mol.cm)
L = path length of the cuvette in which the sample is contained (cm)
C = concentration of the compound in solution (mol/L)
Beer-Lambert Law states that absorbance value depends on the total quantity
of the absorbing compound in the light path through the cuvette. Thus, if we plot a
graph of absorbance versus concentration of the compound solution, we get a
straight line passing through the origin (0,0). The molar absorbance, , is a constant
for a particular substance, therefore if the concentration of the solution is halved, so
is the absorbance value. A compound with a high molar absorbance is very effective
at absorbing light (of the appropriate wavelength), and hence low concentrations of a
compound with a high molar absorbance can be easily detected. (geek3112, 2010)

5. Apparatus

1. Spectrometer.
2. 10 mL of cuvette.
3. Pipette.
4. Dropper.
5. Measuring cylinder.
6. 50 mL volumetric flask.
7. Beaker.
8. Distilled water.
9. Stock solution of chromium (VI) solution (300ppm)
10. 5 set of diluted chromium (VI) solutions which are 100 ppm, 80 ppm, 60
ppm, 40 ppm, 20 ppm and 5 ppm.
11. Lake Sample.

6. Procedure

Firstly, approximately 60 mL of 300ppm Chromium (VI) standard solution

was obtained. Next, using the serial dilution method, six 20 mL standard solutions
with concentrations 5 ppm, 20 ppm, 40 ppm, 60 ppm, 80 ppm and 100 ppm were
prepared and the absorbance for all seven standard solutions including the
parent solution and the dirty water sample were recorded using
spectrophotometer. After that, all Chromium solutions were poured into waste
container after finish the experiment. The graph of absorbance against ppm was
plotted to determine the gradient and intercept of the data.

7. Results

Table 1
Ppm
5
20
40
60
80
100

Absorbance value (Abs)

0.001
0.011
0.014
0.026
0.034
0.043
Table 2

Water sample (lake)

Cheras (outlet)
Seksyen 7 (100m from inlet)
Cheras (50m from inlet)
Cheras (inlet)
Seksyen 7 (50m from inlet)
Seksyen 7 (inlet)

Absorbance value (Abs)

0.014
0.031
0.058
0.080
0.097
0.118

0.14
0.12
0.1
0.08
Absorbance value(Abs)

Chromium (VI)
Linear (Chromium (VI))

0.06

Lake
0.04

Linear (Lake)

0.02
0
5

20

40

60

80 100

Concentration of Chromium (VI), (M)

Figure 1: Graph concentration of chromium (VI) vs absorbance value

8. Calculations

Parent solution: Cr(VI) solution 60 mL, 300 ppm

A) M1V1 = M2V2
(5)(20) = (300) V2
V2 = 0.33333 mL
B) M1V1 = M2V2
(20)(20) = (300) V2
V2 = 1.33333 mL
C) M1V1 = M2V2
(40)(20) = (300) V2
V2 = 2.67 mL
D) M1V1 = M2V2
(60)(20) = (300) V2
V2 = 4.0 mL
E) M1V1 = M2V2
(80)(20) = (300) V2
V2 = 5.33333 mL
F) M1V1 = M2V2
(100)(20) = (300) V2
V2 = 6.67 mL

From graph, find equation of y = mx+C,

m=

y 2 y 1
x 2x 1

m=

0.0420.001
1005

m=0.000432
Therefore, to find C, substitute the value of y and x in equation y = mx+C :
y = mx+C
0.001= (0.000432)(5)+C
C= -0.00116

The value of concentration (x-value) of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample:

i)

Cheras (outlet)
y = mx+C
0.014= (0.000432)x+(-0.00116)
x= 35.09
The value of concentration of the lake water sample is 35.09 ppm.

ii)

Seksyen 7 (100m from inlet)

y = mx+C
0.031= (0.000432)x+(-0.00116)
x= 74.44
The value of concentration of the lake water sample is 74.44 ppm.

iii)

Cheras (50m from inlet)

y = mx+C
0.058= (0.000432)x+(-0.00116)
x= 136.94
The value of concentration of the lake water sample is 136.94 ppm.

iv)

Cheras (inlet)
y = mx+C
0.080= (0.000432)x+(-0.00116)
x= 187.87
The value of concentration of the lake water sample is 187.87 ppm.

v)

Seksyen 7 (50m from inlet)

y = mx+C
0.097= (0.000432)x+(-0.00116)
x= 227.22
The value of concentration of the lake water sample is 227.22 ppm.

vi)

Seksyen 7 (inlet)
y = mx+C
0.118= (0.000432)x+(-0.00116)
x= 275.83

The value of concentration of the lake water sample is 275.83 ppm

9. Discussion.
This experiment is carried out to complete the objectives, which is to
determine the concentration of Chromium VI which present in simulated lake water
sample by using a spectrophotometer. Another objective is to use a method of
dilution to prepare solutions of concentration of Cr (VI) of 2, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100
ppm. Another objective is to analyze the water samples if they are suited for drinking
purpose and agriculture purposes.
The lake water samples are believed to be contaminated as those lakes are
situated near roadway and industrial zones. When lakes and water streams are
situated in those locations, they have high risk to contain heavy metals such as
chromium.
In this experiment, the parent solution of Cr(VI) solution is set at 60 mL with
concentration at 300 parts per million. The dilute solutions are prepared at 20 mL by
using the formula given. To prepare a solution of concentration of 5 ppm, 0.333 mL of
Cr(VI) solution is added to distilled water. To prepare a solution of concentration of
20 ppm, 1.333 mL of Cr(VI) solution is added to distilled water. To prepare a solution
of concentration of 40 ppm, 2.67 mL of Cr(VI) solution is added to distilled water. To
prepare a solution of concentration of 60 ppm, 4.0 mL of Cr(VI) solution is added to
distilled water. To prepare a solution of concentration of 80 ppm, 5.33 mL of Cr(VI)
solution is added to distilled water. To prepare a solution of concentration of 100
ppm, 6.67 mL of Cr(VI) solution is added to distilled water. The graph is then plotted
and the gradient of the graph is calculated, which is 0.000432. Y-intercept from the
graph is the calculated by substituting the value of x and y. The value obtained is
-0.00116. The value of concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample is calculated
by inserting the value in the formula.
The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample at Cheras (outlet) is
35.09 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample at Seksyen 7
(100m from inlet) is 74.44 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample
at Cheras (50m from inlet) is 136.94 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake
water sample at Cheras (inlet) is 187.87 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the
lake water sample at Seksyen 7 (50m from inlet) is 227.22 ppm. The concentration
of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample at Seksyen 7 (inlet) is 275.83 ppm.
From the result obtained, based on the consideration of state and federal
regulatory agencies, natural water can be classified as toxic if the concentration of
Cr(VI) is higher than 0.100 ppm. Thus, the water samples obtained are unsafe and
cannot be used for public consumption.
However, there are some few steps that might affect the result obtained. First
and foremost, the technique applied to measure a small value of solution might not
be suitable. This might lead to difficulties when measuring the volume of Cr(VI)
needed to dilute the solution. Next, wrong way of handling the square cuvette bottle

used to contain the diluted solutions might affected the result obtained. Any
fingerprints or smudge imprinted on outside the bottle might become the interference
for the solutions to absorb wavelength of light in the spectrophotometer. Last but not
least, the square cuvette bottle might not rinsed properly with distilled water. This will
lead the inaccurate contents of the solutions.

10. Conclusion.
The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample at Cheras (outlet) is
35.09 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample at Seksyen 7
(100m from inlet) is 74.44 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample
at Cheras (50m from inlet) is 136.94 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the lake
water sample at Cheras (inlet) is 187.87 ppm. The concentration of Cr (VI) in the
lake water sample at Seksyen 7 (50m from inlet) is 227.22 ppm. The concentration
of Cr (VI) in the lake water sample at Seksyen 7 (inlet) is 275.83 ppm. Since the
concentration of Cr(VI) in the lake water samples are more than 0.100 ppm, they are
unsafe and cannot be used for public consumption.

11. Recommendations.
In having an accurate result, a few recommendation steps must be taken to
overcome error while doing experiment. Firstly, we must wash and cleaned up the
square cuvette. Avoid any smudged, fingers print and dirt at the wall of cuvette. It is
better to use gloves. If there are any particles at wall of cuvette, the reading of
spectrometer will be incorrect and the light will be distracted. Secondly, to get an
accurate volume of chromium inside the volumetric flask, better use pipette rather
than measuring cylinder. Then, during using the pipette, our eyes must be
perpendicular to the scale to avoid parallax error. Lastly, repeat the experiment at
least twice, then calculate the average value. It can increase the accuracy of the
reading.

12. Reference.

1. http://www.news-medical.net/health/Spectroscopy-What-is-Spectroscopy.aspx
[ Retrieved : 7/11/2014 ]
2. http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/chromium.cfm
[ Retrieved : 7/11/2014 ]
3. Geek3112. (2010, 12 10). Determination of Chromium (VI) Concentration via
Absorption Spectroscopy Experiment. [ Retrieved : 6/11/2014 ]
4. http://www.scribd.com/doc/39166236/Determination-of-Chromium-VIConcentration-via-Absorption-Spectroscopy-Experiment. [ Retrieved :
6/11/2014 ]
5. www.turkjbiochem.com/2004/204_207.