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Towards a cleaner production in developing countries: a case study in a Chilean tannery
Beatriz Rivela1, Ranón Méndez, Cristian Bornhardt
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, Institute tof Technology, School of Engineering, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Summary
This study analyzed Chilean tannery wastewater, identifying high organic content and pollutants like sulfur and chromium. It proposes cost-effective pollution prevention and treatment strategies for sustainable leather production.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Industrial Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- The leather tanning industry generates significant wastewater with complex pollutant profiles.
- Chilean tanneries face challenges in managing effluent from beamhouse, tanyard, and retanning processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an input/output analysis of Chilean tannery processes.
- To characterize wastewater streams for physical-chemical properties.
- To evaluate pollution prevention and treatment strategies for waste reduction.
Main Methods:
- Input/Output (I/O) analysis of tannery processes.
- Physical-chemical characterization of 19 wastewater streams.
- Evaluation of pollution prevention opportunities and treatment strategies.
- Application of an S(index) strategy for waste segregation and treatment.
Main Results:
- Wastewater streams exhibited high organic content (2.5–18.1 g COD L⁻¹), a wide pH range (3.45–12.28), and the presence of sulfur and chromium.
- Chromium was detected in tanyard and retanning wastewaters.
- Pollution prevention measures focused on reducing water and chemical consumption at the source.
Conclusions:
- Cost-effective, implementable waste reduction measures are feasible for tanneries.
- Segregation and specific treatment of chromium- and sulfur-containing streams are recommended.
- Wastewater reuse is possible after appropriate anaerobic or aerobic treatment based on organic load.