irritation, aesthetic, dermatitis and respiratory problems (Saratale et al. 2010; Gang
et al. 2011). Hence there is a need for appropriate treatment of tannery wastewater
before discharge to the environment.
Table 11.2 Poisoning potential of chemicals used in the tanning process (Saxena et al. 2016)
Chemical
Use
Lethal dose in
rats, oral
(milligrams/
kg)
Intent organs
Lead chromate
Fastening agent
and material
surfacing
1000
Liver, lung, issues and reproductive system
Anthracene
Additive in
tanning
16,000
Liver and kidney
Arsenic
Used in the
finishing process
763
Liver, lung, kidney, skin and lymphatic system
Pentachlorophenol
Preservative
2000
Liver, kidney, skin, eyes, nose,
blood, respiratory tract, immune
and reproductive system
Methyl
isothiazolinone
Biocide
1800
Skin and eyes
Short chain chlorinated paraffin
Oiling agent used
for smoothness
3090
Liver, kidney and thyroid
Cobalt dichloride
Used in dyeing
and finishing
80
Lung, liver, kidney, skin and heart
Benzyl butyl
phthalate
Used in microporous artificial
coating
2330
Eyes, lung, liver and reproductive
system
Formaldehyde
Used in finishing
100
Eyes and lungs
Nonylphenol
Used in finishing
1475
Eyes, lungs, skin, kidney, blood
and central nervous system
Di-butyl phthalate
Used in artificial
leather production
7499
Gastrointestinal tract, lungs and
eyes
2-Ethylhexyl
phthalate
Used in artificial
leather production
30,000
Liver
Chromium
Tanning agent
3250
Kidney, central nervous system
and hematopoietic system
Azo dyes
Used for dyeing
3418
Liver and blood
Hexachlorobenzene Applied as a preservative for raw
hide and skin
10,000
Reproductive system
11 Solar Photocatalytic Treatment of Tannery Effluents
365