Thiosulfate (S2O32-) contained in the media for autotrophic Cr (VI) reduction was found to interfere with Cr (VI) measurement following the 1,5-diphenylcarbazide (DPC) method. The interference was confirmed at several abiotic and biotic conditions, and was influenced by S2O32- concentration, pH, and the media components. At neutral to alkaline pH, 500 mg/L of S2O32- did not cause interference, while 4 mg/L of S2O32- resulted in the interference at pH 2.0. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry could be an alternative method when the interference by S2O32- is expected. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.