Use and minimization of water in leather tanning processes

Minimization of water use and reuse applications within industry has recent ly gained importance within the context of water conservation efforts. The leather tanning industry is one of the subject industries due to large amou nt of water to be disposed of together with a high pollution load. The leat her tanning industry has a complex structure in terms of materials, process es and manufacturing practices. Therefore a systematic approach is required to assess water use practice. In this study, bovine leather processing was taken as an example. An extensive study was conducted as on-site evaluatio ns and questionnaires in the istanbul Organized Leather Tanning District to assess water use practices, patterns and minimization trends. Results of t he study were discussed and important aspects of water minimization practic es have been pointed out. (C) 1999 IAWQ Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.