Towards Sustainable Tannery: Advanced Recycling And Reuse Of Tannery Wastes

Abstract

The global tannery industry, a cornerstone of many economies, faces significant challenges in managing its waste sustainably. Addressing the environmental and economic concerns associated with tannery wastes requires innovative solutions such as advanced recycling and sustainable reuse techniques. This research, conducted in January 2022, delved into waste management practices at three diverse tanneries in Sudan. Ranging from large to small-scale operations, these tanneries offered a comprehensive view of prevailing challenges and solutions. Through meticulous site visits and interviews with tannery staff, current methodologies were documented, p[1]roviding a foundation for the study's focus: the potential of ultrafiltration as a sustainable recycling technique. Laboratory analysis of collected wastewater samples, totaling 150 in number, demonstrated the promising efficiency of ultrafiltration: a removal rate of 92.5% for COD, 87.5% for fats, 85% for proteins, and 60% for suspended solids. Beyond the environmental advantages, a cost-benefit analysis accentuated the economic rationale behind adopting ultrafiltration, considering factors like equipment costs, maintenance, energy consumption, and the tangible benefits from wastewater reuse. The results form a compelling narrative for the adoption of ultrafiltration in tanneries, presenting a solution that is not only environmentally responsible but also economically pragmatic. Moreover, communities surrounding these tanneries stand to gain substantial health benefits through reduced pollution and lesser strain on local water sources. With recommendations rooted in robust data and aligned with existing literature, this study paves the way for a more sustainable future for the tannery industry.