Strategies for Advancing Circular Economy in the Tannery Sector
摘要
The tanning industry is one of the primary sources of water and soil pollution in developing countries, largely due to the generation of waste that combines organic materials from animal skins with inorganic chemicals used in tanning processes. This mixture results in hazardous waste, the management and valorization of which present significant challenges due to its complexity and high potential for pollution. However, within the framework of circular economy and sustainability strategies, certain types of waste, such as animal hair, have demonstrated their viability as raw materials for the production of innovative biomaterials. One such product is biochar, a carbonaceous material with numerous environmental applications, particularly in agriculture and the removal of pollutants from various soil and water matrices. Research has confirmed that biochar derived from tannery waste can efficiently remove emerging pollutants, including pharmaceutical compounds, from water. Studies have shown that biochar can achieve removal rates of up to 90% for drugs such as amoxicillin, diclofenac, azithromycin, and erythromycin. Furthermore, activating biochar has significantly enhanced its ability to adsorb these compounds, thereby expanding its potential as a tool for decontaminating water resources. This approach not only helps to mitigate the environmental impact associated with the tanning industry but also promotes the valorization of waste by transforming it into high-value products. In this way, it encourages a transition toward more sustainable industrial practices that align with the principles of the circular economy and contribute to the reduction of adverse effects on the environment.