Disposal of chromium-containing collagenous waste,generated during the processing of leather,is a problem that is being addressed not only in the United States,but also world-wide.Alternative disposal methods are bein...Disposal of chromium-containing collagenous waste,generated during the processing of leather,is a problem that is being addressed not only in the United States,but also world-wide.Alternative disposal methods are being sought because of environmental concerns and rising landfill costs.We have developed a process in which this waste can be treated with a variety of enzymes to extract gelatin and a hydrolysate.These recovered protein fractions,practically devoid of chromium,could be used in a wide range of products,including adhesives,cosmetics,films,encapsulating agents,animal feed and fertilizer.A chromium product is also isolated that can be chemically treated and recycled back into the tanning process.Finally,we have shown,by using a computer-assisted process simulation and cost estimation,that a profit could be realized by the tanneries,not only by reducing the need to landfill but also from the return from the sale of the protein products.展开更多
文摘Disposal of chromium-containing collagenous waste,generated during the processing of leather,is a problem that is being addressed not only in the United States,but also world-wide.Alternative disposal methods are being sought because of environmental concerns and rising landfill costs.We have developed a process in which this waste can be treated with a variety of enzymes to extract gelatin and a hydrolysate.These recovered protein fractions,practically devoid of chromium,could be used in a wide range of products,including adhesives,cosmetics,films,encapsulating agents,animal feed and fertilizer.A chromium product is also isolated that can be chemically treated and recycled back into the tanning process.Finally,we have shown,by using a computer-assisted process simulation and cost estimation,that a profit could be realized by the tanneries,not only by reducing the need to landfill but also from the return from the sale of the protein products.
