Tannery effluent was assessed as a carbon source for biological sulphate reduction in a pilot-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB), stirred tank reactor (STR) and trench reactor (TR). Sulphate removals of between 60-80% were obtained in all three reactors at total sulphate feed levels of up to 1800 mg l(-1). Sulphate removal in the TR (400-500 mg SO4 l(-1) day(-1)) and UASB (up to 600 mg SO4 l(-1) day(-1)) were higher than those obtained in the STR (250 mg SO4 l(1) day(-1)). A change in operation mode from a UASB to a STR had a large impact on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies. COD removal rates decreased by 25% from 600-700 mg COD l(-1) day(-1) to 200-600 mg COD l(-1) day(-1). The TR had an average COD removal rate of 500 mg COD l(-1) day(-1). Large quantities of sulphide were produced in the reactors (up to 1500 mg l(-1)). However due to the elevated pH in the reactor, only a small amount was in the form of H2S and thus the odour problem normally associated with biological sulphate reduction was not present.