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Waste minimization through the application of cleaner production techniques in a tannery company

"Curtiembre Valenzuela" tans beef skins with chrome solutions. Liquid effluents follow a primary treatment (solids separation), where the residual liquors from the latter process are sent to the sewer system. The concentrations of trivalent chromium in the residual liquors (approximately 200 mg-Cr2O3 / l), exceed the values ​​established in the literature of 1-4 mg-Cr / l).

This discharge practice can have significant effects of environmental pollution. If Cr(III) discharges are introduced in aerobic treatment systems or in natural bodies of water, there is a possibility of a higher toxicity oxidation to Cr(VI). Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) can cause skin ulcers, irritation of the nasal mucosa and irritation of the intestinal tract, as well as adverse effects on the kidneys and liver. Cr(VI) and its compounds can be considered as probable carcinogens in exposed humans by inhalation of powders.


The diagnosis made for the company's Environmental Manifesto generated recommendations from the competent authority to mitigate the environmental effect and the company's commitment to solve it.

This project studies direct recycling of chromium effluents that consists of recirculating indefinitely the chromium liquors that leave the tanning. Thus, this study proposes the adoption of Cleaner Production techniques to reduce or, where appropriate, eliminate wastewater from the tanning process, and thus mitigate the negative environmental impacts currently caused by the poor quality of residual effluents. Likewise, it is intended to determine the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of the direct recycling process of chrome liquors for the leather tanning stage in the leather manufacturing plant.

The minimization of effluents from liquid waste to the environment will allow compliance with current environmental regulations in our country, an improvement in the quality of life of water users and the improvement of the company's image, providing an example for others tanning industries that exist in the country.

On the other hand, the company will demonstrate compliance with the principles established in its environmental protection policy, introducing Cleaner Production technologies that allow, in turn, greater overall profitability in the manufacture of leather.

 
Responsible:
Ramiro Escalera Vázquez, Ph. D.
E-mail: rescalera@upb.edu

Researchers:
Ramiro Escalera, Ph. D.
Luis Arteaga, Msc.
Ariel Baldivieso, Ing.
Rodrigo Vega, Estudiante

References about the project: Director CIPI rescalera@upb.edu