Raman microscopic detection of chromium compounds

The paper is focused on performing Raman microscopy for the detection of trivalent and hexavalent chromium compounds. Raman spectroscopy has become a powerful method for material identification with the ability to differentiate the structure of the studied materials. It is important in the interests of human health and environmental protection to develop and use methods capable to measure not only the content of total chromium and but the content of toxic hexavalent chromium. Some of such methods are listed in the paper. Samples such as leather, leather processed to hydrolysate or leather waste material as well as the commonly used (yellow) paints, were used for the measurement. Evaluation was carried out on the basis of characteristic spectral features. Acquired Raman spectra show these features and can serve for qualitative analyses.