Bioremediation of Wastewater from the Tanning Industry Under a Circular Economy Model

The pollution generated by wastewater discharges from the leather tanning industry generates various diseases and negatively affects flora and fauna. The tanning industry is responsible for processing leather into leather. However, the wastewater from tanneries is considered toxic since it contains a high organic load, acidic waters with chromium, and dissolved salt, among other malignant components. It is estimated that 20100 L of water are required for every kilo of skin processed. In 2015, FAO estimated a global production of 366,867 thousand pieces, representing a significant water resource. It is, then, the objective of the chapter to discuss the mechanism of bioremediation of wastewater from the tanning industry supported by the model of Circular Economy as a treatment strategy. Bioremediation is presented as a biotechnological approach capable of eliminating toxic contaminants. These processes are preferred over others, being friendly and non-invasive to the environment. It is then bioremediation, a strategy that allows recovering treated water for various purposes. It is established that bioremediation addresses the management of toxic agents and polluting processes while paying for the care of water and health under a framework of eco-efficiency in tanneries.