Hexavalent chromium salts are used in numerous industrial processes, including metal pickling and plating operations, anodizing aluminum, leather tanning, and in the manufacture of paints, dyes and explosives. They are also used extensively as corrosion inhibitors in open and closed cooling water systems.

The Colorimetric Method. CHEMetrics' chromate test kits are applicable to the monitoring of treated effluents from these industries, and to the monitoring of chromate treatment levels in cooling waters.

Hexavalent chromium reacts with diphenylcarbazide under acid conditions to form a red-violet color. Results are quantified photometrically or by visual comparison with standards which are calibrated in ppm (mg/L) CrO₄.