Potential reuse of a leather tanning and an urban wastewater treatment plant effluent in Italy

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the potential reuse of a leather tanning district and an urban wastewater treatment plant (UWWTP) effluents. The UWWTP discharges into the Sarno river which is one of the most polluted river in Europe. A water restoration program covering the rationalisation of the water use between industry and irrigation is in progress for this river. However, no use for fire protection which gains the most importance in summer season in the river catchement area as well as in all over Italy, was considered. The evaluation of potential reuse in this study included industrial reuse and storage for fire protection. Chlorine is suggested as disinfectant before fire protection use while UV is for the non-contact industrial use. The existing water reuse limits in Italy are discussed. Finally, the establishment of compliance limits for each reuse alternative is emphasised.