Phyto-Based Preservation of Raw Skins for Salinity Reduction in Tannery Wastewater

Leather industry is one of the top polluting industries albeit producing precious commodities for human use. Curing of raw skins and hides with salt is one chief deterrent increasing the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of water bodies and fertile lands. In this present investigation, an attempt has been made to reduce the salt used for preservation by substituting with plant extracts. Plants like Cassia fistula Linn. (Cassia), family Caesalpiniaceae and Psidium guajava L, family Myrtaceae display brilliant antimicrobial qualities. Experimental skin (goat) samples were treated with5% Salt + 5% Cassia paste, 10% Salt + 10% Cassia paste, 15% Salt + 15% Cassia paste, 5% salt + 5% Guava paste, 10% salt + 10% Guava paste, 15% salt + 15% Guava paste and 40% salt according to the skin weights respectively. The experimental skins were preserved for 21 days and were observed for hair slip, smell and putrefaction. Estimation of protein, hydroxyproline and moisture content and microbial load were tested on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 21st day. On the 21st day the skins were processed into leather and their physical properties were examined and found comparable to the conventionally cured skins. Hence, this cleaner curing method helps in reducing the TDS in the effluent, thus controlling pollution caused by tanneries through salt.