Green Manufacturing Techniques in the Leather Industry: Reducing Waste and Pollution in Bangladesh

The relocation of tannery industries to the BSCIC Tannery Industrial Estate in Hemayetpur, Savar, Dhaka, close to the Dhaleshwari River, has led to severe environmental issues, particularly heavy metal pollution in surrounding ecosystems. This study analyzed the levels of pollutants in water, air, and soil samples collected from the area. Water tests showed a pH level of 9.04, higher than the safety range of 6.5–8.5; total dissolved solids were found to be 5558.19 mg/L, much higher than the allowed 500 mg/L. Chromium levels in water were 42.50 mg/L, much higher than the allowed 0.05 mg/L. Similarly, air quality tests showed that sulfur dioxide and PM2.5 stood at 39.84 μg/m3 and 59.11 μg/m3, respectively, much higher than the acceptable limits of 20 μg/m3 and 25 μg/m3, respectively. Soils samples showed a chromium concentration of 141.48 mg/kg, which is above the safe limit of 100 mg/kg. The pH was 5.87, indicating injurious acidity. Stakeholder analysis identified financial, technical, and organizational barriers to adopting green manufacturing. The findings emphasize the need for better wastewater treatment, strict regulations, and greener production methods in order to minimize harm to the environment and to promote sustainable tannery operations.