In the present work, an integrated pilot scale membrane system (membrane bioreactor unit (MBR) coupled to nanofiltration (NF)) was developed for municipal wastewater reclamation. Its performance was evaluated and designed to meet the water quality criteria in view of its reuse in the tanning process. The feasibility of using reclaimed wastewater in the different wet phases of the tanning process (beamhouse, tanning, re-tanning, dyeing, fatliquoring) for manufacturing of calf skins was investigated on pilot scale. The results showed that the combination of MBR and NF treatments applied to municipal wastewaters is adequate for recovering water with low hardness, very low Fe, Mn and ammonium levels as required by tanneries. The pilot-scale tests demonstrated the technical feasibility of using the reclaimed water in tanning process. The wet-blue (chrome-tanned) leathers produced with treated water and with softened tap water did not show any considerable differences in terms of physical and sensorial properties and their quality fully satisfied the tannery specifications.
Municipal wastewater reclamation and reuse in the leather industry
SEGGIANI, MAURIZIA;PUCCINI, MONICA;BERNI, PAOLO;VITOLO, SANDRA
2013-01-01
Abstract
In the present work, an integrated pilot scale membrane system (membrane bioreactor unit (MBR) coupled to nanofiltration (NF)) was developed for municipal wastewater reclamation. Its performance was evaluated and designed to meet the water quality criteria in view of its reuse in the tanning process. The feasibility of using reclaimed wastewater in the different wet phases of the tanning process (beamhouse, tanning, re-tanning, dyeing, fatliquoring) for manufacturing of calf skins was investigated on pilot scale. The results showed that the combination of MBR and NF treatments applied to municipal wastewaters is adequate for recovering water with low hardness, very low Fe, Mn and ammonium levels as required by tanneries. The pilot-scale tests demonstrated the technical feasibility of using the reclaimed water in tanning process. The wet-blue (chrome-tanned) leathers produced with treated water and with softened tap water did not show any considerable differences in terms of physical and sensorial properties and their quality fully satisfied the tannery specifications.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
