Impacts of Tanning Process on ground Water Quality: a case study of M’zab valley.Algeria

Abstract

The present study presents a definition of the methods and possibilities that should used in the development of the artisanal tanning activity as well as the fabric performance of units distributed throughout the territory that do not require any external technology. The first materials used are from sheep, goat and camel skins. They came from two kinds, one is from vegetable origin and the other is from chemical origin. The results of the analyses of traditional tanning discharges show t hat the chosen process does not pose any danger to the environment if a high dilution and abundance of water during cleaning is achieved in tanneries. The biodegrability coefficient < 2 so the natural purification process is effective. The results of industrial tanning rejects also suggest that the concentrations of pollution parameters comply with the standards specified by the Algerian laws. The analyses performed show the absence of microorganisms such as Fecal streptococci, Colstridium sulphide, Vibrio cholrae and Salmonella typhi. This article deals with the quality of the discharges and the potential risks of soil degradation. It relies mainly on the analyze carried out during the last campaigns, but without neglecting the recall of previous results