Title: Biological waste management of leather tannery effluents in India: current options and future research needs

Authors: R. Ganesh, R.A. Ramanujam

Addresses: Department of Environmental Technology, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai, India. ' Department of Environmental Technology, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai, India

Abstract: This paper reviews the major biological treatment methods applied for tannery effluents in India. Anaerobic methods and activated sludge process have been the preferred treatment options. Sequencing batch reactor process holds promise for tannery effluents but the technology is yet to see the light of the day in India. Design of aerobic systems needs major overhaul through modelling approaches of the International Water Association (IWA). The failure of aerobic systems to deal with persistent substances in tannery wastewater has prompted the use of advanced treatment methods; their application however to large-scale treatment plants remains a major challenge.

Keywords: tannery wastewater; anaerobic lagoons; anaerobic filters; UASB; upflow anaerobic sludge blanket; extended aeration process; SBR; sequencing batch reactors; modelling; advanced treatment; wastewater treatment; leather tanneries; effluents; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2009.027313

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2009 Vol.1 No.2, pp.165 - 186

Published online: 19 Jul 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article