Ecomare

Chromium is a heavy metal. As a trace element, chromium is essential for many organisms, however an excess in chromium and chromium compounds is poisonous. Chromium compounds are found in pigments, in agents used for conserving coniferous trees (Wolman's salt), in wastewater from tanneries and from galvanizing industries that chrominize furniture. These materials can be cancerous, lead to eczema or impair the mucous membranes. A galvanizing company in Friesland has been removing the chromium from wastewater using shrimp shells since 2006.