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The article presents an overview of chromium contamination issues in the South-East of Glasgow and the potential for remediation. Chromite ore processing residues arising from the works were used as infill material across large tracts of south-east Glasgow. Glasgow City Council (GCC) identified 15 sites where elevated concentrations of hexavalent chromium extended to depths of 10m in places. The investigation of remedial options for the Glasgow sites followed on from this series of investigations, which were undertaken by Dames and Moore on behalf of GCC in 1993.

The article focuses on the modelling of chromium behaviour and transport at sites contaminated with chromite ore processing residue. The presence of approximately 2.5 million tonnes of chromite ore processing residue on several sites in the vicinity of Glasgow has led to concern about the leaching of the known toxin, Cr(VI), into surface and ground waters and ultimately, into the River Clyde. Examination of the modelled mineralogical composition as a function of pH shows that the hydrogarnet dissolves first followed by the hydrocalumite in the pH range 11.5-10.5.