Abstract

Pollution within the tanning Industry has been a great concern with efforts recently directed towards mitigating the emerging challenges. The most inspiring is the development of novel ecotoxicological diagnostic tools which are considered rapid, cost effective and reliable. In the tanning industry, particular attention is directed towards use of chromium, salts, chlorinated phenols among others which are recognised as potential pollutants especially within the developing world where environmental restriction is still low. Therefore the review attempts to underscore the need to comprehend about these pollutants and the appropriate diagnostic approaches required. The application of biosensors and dehydrogenase is discussed to evaluate the toxicity levels and provide inherently the bioavailability status of the contaminants. Indeed while the diagnostic tools are crucial and opportune, other measures to ensure cleaner production within the tanning industry needs to be addressed to disalienate the notion that the tanning industry is still a major source of pollution.    

Key words: Ecotoxicology, effluents, leather, pollutants.