ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN LEATHER ENTERPRISES AND THE COMPOSITION OF WASTEWATER

This article analyzes the main environmental problems arising in leather manufacturing enterprises, particularly the harmful substances contained in wastewater and their impact on the environment and human health. The leather industry consists of multi-stage technological processes, in which large amounts of water and chemical reagents are used during raw hide preparation, liming, dehairing, chrome tanning, dyeing, and finishing. As a result, wastewater contains chromium compounds, sulfides, chlorides, organic substances, fats, proteins, and highly mineralized pollutant components. The article considers the possibilities of reducing these problems through mechanical, chemical, biological, and membrane-based wastewater treatment methods.