Tannery wastewater treatment and resource recovery options

Abstract

Tannery industries are one of the heaviest polluting industries in the world due to critical environmental problems resulting from wastewater containing heavy metals and high chemical oxygen demand. Tanneries, especially in developing countries, are still being operated by conventional production methods and most of the existing tanneries do not focus on pollution prevention and resource recovery. In addition, treatment options are not available in most of the old-fashioned factories, especially those being operational in developing countries. In this chapter, the most recent technologies to treat the wastewater discharged from tanneries is discussed. Options for resource recovery and substitution of chromium and sodium sulfide are also presented. Moreover, options for composting of the (solid) wastes, recovery of other added-value products such as fats and proteins, health, and safety are also discussed.