Spectrophotometry and Spectroscopy for Sensing Discharge Water Parameters from a Tannery in Cotopaxi, Ecuador

The main objective of the present study was to analyze physical and chemical parameters to evaluate the quality of discharge water coming from a tanning industry located in Cotopaxi, Ecuador. The wastewater was sampled, stored, and transported according to national and international regulations. The analyzed parameters were oils and fats, total chromium, total hardness, total solids, sulfates, and sulfides by using the analytical techniques specified in the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The results obtained were tabulated and analyzed with a confidence level of 95%. The concentration comparison graphs of the parameters analyzed with maximum permissible limits showed that the parameter oils and fats comply with the current regulations established in Ecuadorian guidelines while the rest of the parameters analyzed exceed the maximum permissible limit as sources of contamination. This report tries to be an alert for regulators in the country.