Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning C

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

chromium

A hard, brittle, metallic element often used in metal alloys and as a corrosion-resistant surface coating for metal parts. Chromium is an especially toxic metal, with hexavalent chromium being appreciably more toxic than trivalent chromium. Inadequate or improper handling and disposal of chromium may create serious environmental hazards. Also see chrome plate, hexavalent chromium, and trivalent chromium.