Title: Managing heavy metals contaminated industrial wastewater from inorganic chemical industries in the West Bank: Implementing cleaner production for sustainability

Partners: PPU, ANU, IHE

Team:

Summary:

The present progress report summarizes the main research activities of the project conducted so far. The quantities of wastewater generated form each process was determined, and the properties of the physico-chemical wastewater released from each process were measured and compared. Options for cleaner production at the local tanneries were proposed and to be investigated at the industry. A scientific paper from this work is prepared and is to be submitted. ANU is currently working on quantification and characterization of wastewater from the tannery in Nablus. Concerning cleaner production activity, the IHE team carried out the desk study and overviewed the following aspects pertaining to the project: (i) cleaner production in tanneries, (ii) wastewater treatment in tanneries and resource recovery, and (iii) the optimization of process parameters for improving the efficiencies of the tanning process. A book chapter based on the desk study is being prepared by partners and to be submitted. The experimental investigation of selected CP practices is being conducted both at lab and. PPU is currently investigating cleaner production options at the local tanneries (pilot scale) in Hebron. ANU designed and fabricated a lab-scale leather making process based on scaling down of the industrial process. Their work focusing on optimizing the operating conditions during leather making processes for minimizing chromium input concentration and maximizing its uptake efficiency. For the wastewater treatment activity, PPU is conducting preliminary research (batch and continuous experiments) for exploring potential wastewater treatment approach. PPU designed and in the process of fabricating a lab scale/pilot scale wastewater treatment unit in cooperation with a water treatment company.  The Palestinian team visited the Netherlands during the period of 5-11 October 2018. They conducted periodic project meeting with the Dutch partner and made filed visits to the Dutch tanning industry.