Abstract

Chromium(VI) in coloured and non-coloured leather samples was determined by the standard spectropho tometric procedure DIN 53314 and also by extraction of the chromium(VI)-HC1 complex (277 K) into methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). Chromium(VI) was determined in the organic phase by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Both techniques were found to be sensitive enough for the determination of chromium(VI) in the samples analysed. The limit of detection for the spectrophotometry was 2.0mg Cr(VI) kg’ and for MIBK extraction 0.2mg Cr(VI) kg’ of leather. The interference effects of coloured species in leather extracts were investigated by employing the spectrophotometric technique. For this purpose diluted and non-diluted sample extracts were analysed. The results obtained were critically evaluated and compared to the MIBK extraction technique. The applicability of the spectrophotometric procedure for determination of chromium(VI) in coloured leather samples was estimated.