Characterization and pollution profile of leather tanning industry in Turkey

Leather tanning industry as a significant polluting source is exposed to stringent effluent limitations. On the other hand, leather processing has a very complex structure in terms of both production and waste streams. A systematic subcategorization approach is required to assess the pollution characteristics and control measures. In this study, a procedure is defined for the development of subcategories for the industry. Results of a detailed review on the amount and the quality of wastewaters originating from the industry are given and six different subcategories are defined to reflect the structure of the leather processing industry in Turkey. Solid and hazardous waste profiles are also given.