Water Pollution Caused by Leather Industry: A Review

The volume of industrial wastewater is expected to double by 2025 resulting in an increase of contaminated freshwater resources. Comparing profits with the high contribution to environment strain per capita can serve to analyze the potential international market and pollutant reduction methods. This paper quantifies the process, water consumption, and pollution of the leather industry to assess its size and influence. The leather industry presents a unique case; one where its product is inherently strong, has multiple applications, and serves as a way of recycling for the meat industry. The wastewater of the leather industry includes Chromium and Nitrogen which are some of the most important concerns regarding the environmental pollution to water sources. The consumption for tanneries varies based on processing methods. Legislative pressure is applied to increase the management of wastewater and solid waste. Research regarding the leather industry is not as well developed as its dated tanning process, however it should be examined as an industry that provides ample opportunities for environmental, economic, and technological advancements.