NANOGAP and the future of Cr(VI) decontamination

Did you know that chromium can be very harmful to human health? But not all of them! Specifically, there are several forms of chromium, but only two of them stand out in the environmental and human health context: trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). While Cr(III) is an essential nutrient in trace amounts and has little mobility in water, Cr(VI) is extremely toxic and poses a serious threat to the environment and human health. 

It is probably a metal you are familiar with: chromium is widely used in the stainless steel industry, in electroplating processes, in pigment production, leather tanning and anti-corrosion treatments. In fact, due to its durability and corrosion resistance, it is positioned as a metal that has been instrumental in the development of durable materials. However, there is a problem: these industries generate industrial waste containing Cr(VI), and its improper management can lead to dangerous contamination of water sources and, consequently, be a danger to the well-being of the population. 

How does Hexavalent Chromium Contaminate Water? 

Cr(VI) contamination generally occurs when wastewater from these industries is not adequately treated before being released into rivers, lakes or aquifers. Due to its high solubility in water, Cr(VI) dissolves easily, expanding its range and can infiltrate into the soil, affecting groundwater and drinking water sources. Moreover, at high concentrations, Cr(VI) becomes highly toxic, and its presence in the environment makes it a difficult pollutant to manage: its uncontrolled release can have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity and human health.  

Health and Environmental Consequences of Cr(VI) 

The effects of Cr(VI) on human health can be alarming. This is because, upon contact with drinking water, Cr(VI) can accumulate in the body and cause multiple health problems, including: 

• Liver and kidney damage: Prolonged exposure to Cr(VI) can cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys, organs responsible for filtering and processing toxins.  

• Respiratory problems: Inhalation of Cr(VI) particles can cause lung irritation and chronic respiratory problems.  

• Cancer risk: Cr(VI) is classified as a human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure, even at low concentrations, is associated with an increased risk of stomach and other cancers.  

• Effects on the immune system: Exposure to Cr(VI) can affect the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight disease.  

In addition, in the environment, Cr(VI) negatively impacts aquatic ecosystems, disrupting the balance of organisms and threatening vulnerable species. Furthermore, Cr(VI) contamination can affect aquatic flora and fauna, compromising water quality and generating a lasting and serious impact on ecosystems.  

NANOGAP: Technological Innovation to Tackle the Chromium Problem  

But at NANOGAP we want to make a difference: we believe in the ability of science to solve complex problems in a sustainable way. That’s why we have developed a state-of-the-art technology: our Metal Molecules have the ability to enhance Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP), allowing them to effectively address the problem of Cr(VI) in water.  

Our innovative approach focuses on improving the efficiency of advanced oxidation processes for the removal of toxic contaminants, including Cr(VI). These AOPs utilize highly reactive radicals, such as hydroxyl radicals, which have the ability to effectively decompose and oxidize hazardous substances. 

How does NANOGAP Technology work on Cr(VI)? 

Thus, NANOGAP’s M-M technology acts directly on Cr(VI), transforming it into a much less harmful form: trivalent chromium (Cr(III)).  

This reduction process is crucial, as Cr(III) has significantly lower toxicity and reduced mobility in water, making it much less hazardous to the environment and human health. 

The key to our M-M technology in the treatment of Cr(VI) lies in its three main benefits: 

1. Increased light absorption in photocatalysts: By adapting TiO₂ based photocatalysts with our M-M technology we allow more light to be captured, maximizing the energy available for the degradation of Cr(VI) and other contaminants. This boosts the oxidation process, increasing its efficiency and reducing the time required to reach the desired safety levels. 
2. Improved separation of active charges: M-M technology facilitates the separation of charged species, avoiding recombination and reducing energy loss. This ensures that each hydroxyl radical and reactive species generated in the process is focused on efficiently oxidizing and reducing Cr(VI). 
3. Enhanced activation of hydroxyl radicals: Hydroxyl radicals are the most potent oxidation agents in AOPs. The M-M technology catalyzes their activation, increasing their ability to transform Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and neutralize other contaminants present in AOPs. 

Our commitment is to offer sustainable solutions that not only eliminate pollutants, but also protect the ecological balance and support the transition to a healthier environment. With M-M, we are transforming water treatment and providing an effective response to one of the world’s most serious pollution problems. 

Join us on this journey to a world with clean and safe water for all.