Chapter 11 - Harmful environmental effects for textile chemical dyeing practice

Abstract

It is very obvious that synthetic textile dyes represent a large group of organic compounds that may have adverse environmental effects and that certain organic dyes may also pose risks to humans. The growing uncertainty and challenge in the management of textile waste has contributed to a constant quest for efficient and commercially feasible new approaches. Until now, however, no efficient method has been found to remove both the color and the toxic properties of the dyes released into the environment. Hence, the production and use of synthetic dyes for textile dyeing is now a huge industry. Synthetic dyes have a wide range of bright colors. The use of synthetic dyes has a negative impact on all life forms. The presence of sulfur, naphthol, vat dyes, nitrates, acetate acid, and certain auxiliary chemicals together make the textile effluent highly toxic, e.g., copper, arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, nickel or cobalt, and certain additives. Other noxious chemicals in water may include formaldehyde-based harmful agents, chlorinated stain removers, hydrocarbon-based softeners, and nonbiologically deteriorating toxic chemicals. The colloidal matter present in addition to the colors, the oily scum raises the turbidity, makes the water look bad and smell bad, and inhibits the sunlight required for photosynthesis to penetrate. That in effect interferes with the oxygen transport system on the air–water interface, which in turn interferes with marine life and water self-cleaning.