Selection of a sustainable alternative for the reduction of chromium pollution in leather tanning wastewater

Abstract

Various solutions that have been proposed to address the contamination problem of leather tanning wastewater at El Cerrito (Valle del Cauca, Colombia) have generated conflicts between stakeholders. Therefore, with the purpose of selecting a sustainable alternative for the reduction in chromium present in liquid effluents of the local tanning sector, the Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation (SMCE) method was used to analyze three proposed treatment options. These consisted of a physicochemical treatment based on MgO precipitation and acid redissolution, a biotechnological treatment with native yeasts coupled to cleaner production (CP) and a nontreatment option. During the evaluation, the social, economic, environmental and technical criteria considered allowed the selection of the biotechnology alternative as the treatment option with the highest sustainability. The physicochemical alternative demonstrated low acceptance, while the nontreatment option proved unfeasible by affecting the natural environment and social component and was favored only by the economic criterion.