Abstract

ORTIZ, Nidia Elena  and  CARMONA, Juan Carlos. CHROMIUM RECOVERED AND RE-USED FROM TANNERY RESIDUAL WATER (LOCATED IN SAN BENITO, BOGOTÁ), BY TREATMENT WITH SODYUM SULPHATE. Luna Azul [online]. 2015, n.40, pp.117-126. ISSN 1909-2474.  https://doi.org/10.17151/luaz.2015.40.9.

The tan processes consist in the transformation of cattle or other animal skin in leather through the application of tannins which are substances from vegetal origin, or also with chromium. This element is a pollutant which maximum allowed concentration from industrial disposal is 1 mg/L, under Resolution 1074 of 1997 from the Administrative Department of the Environment (ADE) for the Capital District which establishes environmental standards on dumping. Technical feasibility for chrome recovery and reuse of wastewater from the tanning process in a tannery in San Benito (Bogotá) was evaluated, accelerating it with 4 M caustic soda and regenerating it with sodium sulfate and formic acid (industrial grade) in place of sulfuric acid, regulated by drugs, to reuse the chromium salt in the tanning process. Its implementation minimizes water pollution with chromium and decreases production costs. Chromium content of residual water in the tanning process decreased 99.9% from average concentrations of 2,475 mg / L to levels below 1,0 mg/L, allowing reuse water for salted skins wash that start the process after treatment with aluminum chloride hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite, reducing its consumption significantly. The quality of leather obtained was determined by shrinkage tests and bending strength. Processes of materials produced reuse as waste in tan processes are fundamental to the environmental sustainability of these industries.

Keywords : Waste water; leather industries; chromium; sodium sulfate; re-use.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )