BACKGROUND: Chemical oxidation is generally used to oxidise Cr(III) to Cr(VI) in aqueous effluents, but this leads to Cr(VI) solutions that are contaminated with oxidising agents, which reduces their recycle and reuse value. RESULTS: We now report an electrolytic method for the in situ oxidation of Cr(III). Complete oxidation of Cr(III) occurs anodically using an initial pH of 5.0 and a current of 3.0 A. CONCLUSIONS: Anodic oxidation is shown to achieve in situ oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) to permit the regeneration of Cr(VI) solutions for recycle in oxidising industrial processes. (c) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry