The adsorption of chromium species in soils has received much attention because of its toxicity to environment as adsorption controls the bioavailability. Batch studies were performed to evaluate the effect of soil properties on the adsorption of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in 12 different Australian soils, which varied in their origin, mineralogy, CEC and organic content. Soil properties, including pH, CEC, OM, clay, water extractable SO42- and PO43- were investigated on the adsorption of Cr(III) & Cr(VI). The adsorption data were fitted to Freundlich equation and the adsorption parameters, Kf and n were calculated. . In all soils, the amount of adsorption, as measured by Kf value was higher for Cr(III) than Cr(VI). The amount of Cr(III) adsorbed increased with an increase in pH and CEC of soils. There was no significant effect of soil
properties on the adsorption of Cr(VI) and its adsorption was high in soils with high iron content. The mobility of Cr species, as estimated by the retardation factor was higher for Cr(VI) than for Cr(III).