Utilization of Bacillus Sp. Bacteria on Reducing Pollutant Levels of Leather Tanning Industry Wastewater

Aerobic biofilter, bacillus sp., leather tanning, wastewater

Authors

  • Rahma Nur Padillah Department of Environmental Engineering, Universitas AKPRIND Indonesia
  • Yuli Pratiwi Department of Environmental Engineering, Universitas AKPRIND Indonesia
  • Sudarsono Department of Environmental Engineering, Universitas AKPRIND Indonesia
December 18, 2025
December 26, 2025

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The leather tanning industry generates wastewater that can potentially pollute the environment, thus requiring effective treatment. This study aimed to analyze changes in BOD, TSS, sulfide, and pH concentrations before and after treatment, as well as to determine the optimal retention time. The method applied was an aerobic biofilter system using bioball media and the addition of Bacillus sp. with retention times of 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The results showed that the aerobic biofilter system with bioball media and Bacillus sp. reduced BOD from 2,680 mg/L to 142 mg/L (94.7% efficiency) and TSS from 1,670 mg/L to 320 mg/L (80.9% efficiency). The pH value increased from 7.34 to 8.60, while sulfide levels remained below the detection limit. The optimal retention time was 72 hours, indicating that this system is effective in improving the quality of leather tanning wastewater.