Wastewater treatment - Textile and tanning sector

The great consumption of water in the textile industry takes place in two stages: the dyeing of the fibers and the finishing processes of the fabrics. Obtaining raw materials (cotton, linen, etc., or wool, silk and similar animal origin) is another step that requires greater water consumption. Therefore, the wastewater produced has to be cleaned of fats, oils, colors and other chemical products, which are used during the many stages of production.

In general, the polluting products that carry wastewater in the tanning industry are salts, manure and dirt from dirty skins. We also find dissolved organic matter from fats, hair, keratin, leftovers of meat, skin and dissolved proteins of animals, as well as remains of products such as tanning agents, synthetics, grease, dyes used in tanning. Finally, we find mineral salts used in conservation and tanning.