In this work, the chromium (III) movement in soil columns was studied, considering the influence of (i) pH; (ii) soil horizon and (iii) source of Cr. Two soils samples of A and B horizons, differing in organic matter content from São Paulo State - Brazil, were utilized: a) Latossolo Vermelho Eutroférrico (Typic Eutrorthox) and b) Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico (Typic Haplorthox). The surface horizons received calcium carbonate. Elution experiments in soil columns were carried out in order to obtain elution curves for different sources of chromium: a) in salt solution (Cr-SALT); b) chelated (Cr-EDTA) and c) associated to a tannery plant residue (Cr-Residue). Chromium elution was higher in the Haplorthox than in the Eutrorthox. Liming did not show influence upon the chromium movement. In the Eutrorthox, the elution was higher in the surface horizon than in the subsurface one, possibly due to the formation of soluble compounds between Cr and fulvic acids. Elution was affected by the chromium source, having the highest values observed in the Cr-EDTA application and the lowest in the Cr-Residue.
leaching; heavy metal; complexation; organic matter
