Tannery and leather industries generate high amounts of residues often containing chromium used as a tanning agent. To evaluate the effects of three applications of tannery sludge (TS), leather shavings (LS) and leather shreds (LS) on sorghum (Sorghum graniferum) and radish (Raphanus sativus), a microplot experiment with tree soil types was conducted during the 1996 to 1999 period. Soils pH and Cr contents in plants' edible parts were determined. The residues did not affect plant growth, when properly limed and fertilized. The TS can neutralize soil acidity and supply N for the plants. Plant Cr contents in the edible parts increased with residues application, being however on the range appropriate for consumption. It was not observed Cr mobility to the soil subsurface layers.
chromium; monitoring; tannery residues
