Investigation of carboxylic acids for the extraction of chromium(iii) from leather waste and the possible re‐use of the extracted chromium in the tanning industry

Abstract

A number of chelating agents have been investigated for the extraction of chromium(III) from chrome tanned leather waste. Citric and oxalic acid were chosen as the most suitable chelating agents because of their relatively low cost and high extraction efficiency. A simple, one‐step system has been developed for chromium(III) extraction from chrome‐tanned leather waste. Recycling of the extracted chromium(III) has been demonstrated. This method has potential for application to environmental and industrial problems concerning chromium waste, especially in the tanning industry.