Session: 14-01: Sustainable Manufacturing Processes for Low Carbon

Paper Number: 141257

141257 - Tannery Wastewater Treatment Pilot Plant 

Abstract: 

The leather industry generates substantial amounts of wastewater that poses significant concerns. Producing leather has become synonymous with high water consumption and the release of hazardous contaminants. While leather production employs two primary tanning methods, namely vegetable and chromium tanning, the latter emerges as a significant concern due to its dominance, accounting for 90% of the industry's output. Chromium tanning is the most popular method used in the world because of its speed and efficiency in tanning hides. The name of this process comes from the use of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The other benefits of this method is the durability and variety of the leather that it produces. Chromium-tanned leather is softer to the touch and more water resistant compared to other methods; it also can tan leather in a wider range of colors and finishes.. However, the drawbacks to this method is the chemical pollution and negative effects of Cr(VI). The tannery wastewater produced is extremely environmentally harmful due to the heavy metals contained within. It can destroy ecosystems and water systems if not treated properly. It can lead to liver and kidney damage and may cause cancer over prolonged periods of exposure time to Cr(VI)]. Since it is such a dangerous chemical, the EPA requires that only 0.1mg of Cr(VI) is allowed per liter of wastewater. Untreated tannery wastewater threatens the environment and poses serious health risks to humans and animals, making it crucial to address and properly treat. In various regions, particularly in developing countries, challenges persist in implementing proper methods to treat tannery wastewater. The lack of stringent environmental regulations contribute to the direct discharge of untreated or poorly treated wastewater into nearby water bodies. Recognizing the imperative need, it becomes crucial to address these challenges and develop cost-effective, sustainable methods for treating tannery wastewater, thereby promoting responsible practices within the leather industry.

The goal of our project is to create a simple, affordable, and practical solution to small tanneries around the world and to further reduce harmful pollutants released by the tannery industry. The objective of our project will be achieved by reducing the footprint and increasing the overall affordability of a tannery wastewater treatment system, such that small tanneries will be able to afford and maintain their own wastewater treatment plant. Our solution will incorporate a small scale wastewater treatment plant that will only occupy an area of 36 square feet and 5 feet in height with a total cost of approximately $1,000 to include an initial and operating cost. This will provide small individual tanneries a wastewater treatment solution that can collocate within the tannery. Thus, eliminating the need to transport wastewater to another location, which leads to reduction in pollutant generation and decreases in additional costs such as transportation fees and operation cost. This then not only decreases the environmental impact of tanneries but also lessens the financial burden of small tanneries. Furthermore, our project can be scaled up to accommodate tanneries with larger production rates.

Presenting Author: Nathan Jong California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Presenting Author Biography: Nathan Jong in an undergraduate student studying Mechanical Engineering in California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Authors:

Maryam Shafahi California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Ethan Godfrey California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Julissa Godinez California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Nathan Jong California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Anthony Nguyen California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Tian Zhao California State Polytechnic University, Pomona