Fugitive emission measurements above a hard chromium plating tank using spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SIBS)

This paper presents the results of total chromium fugitive emissions measurements above a hard chromium electroplating tank at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, GA. The measurements were made using OSHA Draft Method ID-215 and a newly developed realtime monitor based on spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SIBS), The SIBS monitor acquired data on a five-sec time scale and was used to survey the total chromium concentrations above the plating bath surface over a range of ventilation rates in conjunction with operation of an experimental liquid recirculation system. The SIBS-measured concentrations varied from <10 mu g/m(3) (the lower limit of detection) to >1000 mu g/m(3). The measured concentrations were well correlated to distance from the plating bath surface, smoke test indications of poorly ventilated areas and ventilation flow rate, The SIBS data quantitatively agree with simultaneous internal filter results and with the OSHA-approved air sampling filter measurements. These results indicate the SIBS monitor is capable of industrial hygiene monitoring of chromium in a plating environment.