Industries without a concern for the environment deteriorate the land, water and air in an area. When the industrial activity is located in the coastal zone the harm it causes to the varied components of the environment becomes irreparable.

One of the industries that cause pollution of considerable magnitude in Tiruchirapalli district is tannery. Sembattu, the study area known for its location of the airport in the district is a fast developing urban site. Number of tanneries located in the area whose effluents often left untreated affect the land and water of the surrounding regions.