Biochemical analysis of wastewater genedated by Usak leather factories

The leather industry which is economically important in Turkey causes air pollution drastically. While raw hide is being processed in leather industry, it goes through many phases. During these phases a lot of chemicals are used such as; water, lime, sodium sulphide, ammonium sulphate, sodium chlorure, chromium salts. All in all, solid and liquid waste comes out and pose a threat to the environment. In this study it is aimed to analyse waste water of the leather companies which are situated in Uşak. Waste water of Uşak Leather Industrial Zone was analysed both in summer months when the density was less and after the festival of sacrifice when the density was more. The suspended solid matter, chemical oxygen need, colour, total nitrogen, phosphate phosphorus, total chrome, pH turbidity and oil grease content parameters of the facility's input water , post chemical treatment, post biological treatment and the output water of the facility were analysed. When we compared the treatment facility's input and output waste water with the discharging standards of water pollution control regulations, it was found out that the results were low thanks to treatment facility. In addition, the values decreased after chemical and biological treatment when it was compared with the facility's input values. As a result, in order to decrease the negative effects of the leather industry, which affects the environment, natural water sources and health, it is necessary to have some treatment facilities.