The influence of chromium supplied by tanning and wet finishing processes on the formation of Cr(VI) in leather

Abstract

Chromium used in leather manufacturing can be oxidized from the trivalent to the hexavalent state, causing environmental concerns. In this study, the influence of Cr(III) from tanning, deacidification pH, fatliquors, chrome retanning and vegetable retanning on the formation of Cr(VI) in leather was analyzed by comparing natural and aged samples. In wet-blue leather, even after aging and in fatliquored leathers that did not suffer the aging process, the presence of Cr(VI) was always below the detection limit of 3 mg/kg. Considering the presence of Cr(VI), the supply of chromium during the retanning step had a more significant effect than during the tanning. In the fatliquoring process with sulfites, fish and synthetic fatliquor leather samples contained Cr(VI) when aged, and the highest concentration detected was 26.7 mg/kg. The evaluation of Cr(VI) formation led to recommendations for regulation in the leather industry.