Which of the toxic heavy metals is found in modern tannery industries ?

Chromium is mainly found in waste from the chrome tanning process; it occurs as part of the retanning system and is displaced from leathers during retanning and dyeing processes. This chrome is discharged from processes in soluble form; however, when mixed with tannery waste waters from other processes (especially if proteins are present), the reaction is very rapid. Precipitates are formed, mainly protein-chrome, which add to sludge generation. If chrome discharges are excessive, the chromium might remain in the solution. Even in low concentrations, it has a toxic effect upon daphnia, thus disrupting the food chain for fish life and possibly inhibiting photosynthesis.