Skip to main content
Log in

A potential new commercial method for processing leather to reduce environmental impact

  • RESEARCH COMMUNICATION
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research - International Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

Current leather processing method involves dehairing and fibre opening employing lime and sulphide, which results in higher negative impact on the environment due to its uncleanness. This method of dehairing and fibre-opening process accounts for nearly 70–80% biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in tannery wastewater and also the generation of H2S gas.

Materials and methods

Hence, an attempt has been made to reduce the environmental impact of the leather processing through a biochemical approach, employing proteolytic enzyme and sodium metasilicate for performing the above process more cleanly.

Results and discussion

The developed process exhibits significant reduction in environmental parametres such as COD and total solid loads by 55% and 25%, respectively. This method completely avoids the formation of lime sludge.

Conclusion

The functional properties of the leathers are also on par with conventionally processed leathers. Further, the process seems to be commercially viable.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ritchlin J, Johnston P (1999) Zero discharge. Environ Sci Pollut Res 6(3):130–131

    Google Scholar 

  • Young AL (2003) Biotechnology for food, energy, and industrial products new opportunities for bio-based products. Environ Sci Pollut Res 10(5):273–276

    Google Scholar 

  • Young AL (2004) The future of biotechnology in support of bio-based industries. Environ Sci Pollut Res 11(2):71–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. Raghava Rao.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Lee Young

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bhavan, S., Rao, J.R. & Nair, B.U. A potential new commercial method for processing leather to reduce environmental impact. Environ Sci Pollut Res 15, 293–295 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-008-0001-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-008-0001-8

Keywords

Navigation