What Should We Do With Our Solid Tannery Waste

Abstract

There is worldwide concern about the management of solid waste generated from the tannery industry, primarily because of its chromium toxicity. In many developing countries the solid tannery waste, which is high in protein content, is utilized as animal feed. Recent studies indicate that there is a link between chromium in solid tannery waste, in the animal feed and in the animals themselves. This review examines the toxicity of chromium in solid tannery waste, separately as Cr(III) and Cr(VI), and discusses management approaches to control the pollution from solid tannery waste. In order to safely continue using solid tannery waste in animal feed, more emphasis should be placed on the management of Cr(VI) rather than on Cr(III). It is possible to decrease the amount of Cr(VI) in solid tannery waste by taking proper steps at different stages of the production of leather and feed. This approach is safe, economical and implementable and may be appropriate for countries which are struggling with tannery waste.