Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Leachate Research Articles

Dynamic Interaction of Heavy Metals and Mineralogical Shifts in Stream Sediments Exposed to MSW Landfill Leachate in a Semi-Arid Basaltic Terrain

Investigating concentrations and spatial patterns of physicochemical parameters in landfill leachate and their profound impacts on stream sediments is an important issue for environmental sustainability. Therefore, the present study showed that the specifics landfill leachate and its interactions with stream sediments within the unique geological context of semi-arid basaltic terrain of the Deccan Volcanic Province in Pune, India. Employing advanced geo-accumulation indices and crystal phase differentiation methods, the study unveils the intricate metamorphosis of heavy metals and mineralogical composition, tracing the transformative journey from leachate to sediments. Noteworthy revelations emerge, particularly in the striking associations between heavy metals and the mineralogical composition, which encompasses primary and secondary minerals (calcite, quartz, and Fe-Mg oxides). These findings underscore the acceleration of weathering processes within this distinctive geological milieu. The 'geo-accumulation index' exhibits pronounced elevations in proximity to the landfill site, with persistence downstream, reliant upon the evolving weathering and accumulation dynamics. The lower reaches of the study area have higher concentrations of various heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Hg, As, and Cd). These heavy metals are primarily sequestered within silt-dominated sediments conquered by augite, olivine and plagioclase minerals. Present research reveals the complex interplay between heavy metals in leachate and their physical and chemical interactions with sedimentary materials. These gradational shifts in mineralogy and geochemistry serve as compelling evidence of the transformative impact of leachate discharge within the distinctive basaltic geological framework. This study offers valuable insights into the complex environmental processes occurring at the intersection of landfill leachate and natural geological formations, enhancing the understanding of the dynamic geochemical interactions that shape this semi-arid basaltic terrain.

Constructed Wetlands for Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Leachate Treatment with Different Macrophytes in Hot Cimate Regions: A Review

Constructed wetland is a natural, economical and environment friendly option for leachate treatment. The aquatic plants and microorganisms are the main players for the treatment of leachate and are conspicuous favoring feature for any wetland due to their contaminant treatment efficiency. There are several other features which limit or enhance the performance of wetlands. Temperature is one of the factors which influence the performance of any wetland and can improve overall efficiency of the constructed wetland. Deep study of oxygen function reveals that accumulation of oxygen to the liquid or soil of the wetland either by photosynthesis or direct from atmosphere. Organic mailer and nitrification process made possible by transfer of oxygen to rhizosphere through macrophytes and macrophytes grow well in growing season in the presence of sunlight and temperature. The argument is well supported through facts revealed by scientific observations. The natural process of photosynthesis only occurs in the presence of sunlight. Hence main performance of macrophytes depends upon their biomass production and fixation of oxygen to the rhizosphere in growing season, which ultimately enhances the efficiency of wetlands for contaminant removal. This review is to establish the fact that Typha latifolia, Phragmites australis and Scripus Validus are main hydrophytes depict best results in biogeochemical process for contaminant removal from wetlands in hot season except for the Total Suspended Solid (TSS) which does not show considerable difference due to the climate. This fact reveals that the macrophytes are more productive in the warm climate in comparison to cold one. The Typha latifolia, Phragmites australis and Scripus validus are the most common species of macrophytes which are very much affective in contamination removal process especially in temperate or tropical region where climate is above 30oC. The available data of different research papers establishes the fact that wetlands are the low-cost, eco-friendly and efficient solution for majority of contaminants removal. It has also been established that the Tropical and temperate regions enhance efficiency of all parameters up to 10% due to higher temperature.

Analysis of ammonia-nitrogen removal kinetics by stage in pilot scale vertical flow wetlands treating landfill leachate in series

This study explored the effect stage number and plant type have on ammonia-nitrogen (NH3–N) removal kinetics in a two-stage pilot-scale vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) system treating landfill leachate. Half of the VFCW columns were planted with Typha latifolia and the other half Scirpus californicus, and half of the columns were loaded with municipal solid waste landfill leachate (diluted to 1 part leachate to 2 parts total) with the effluent from these columns was collected in two separate barrels. The remaining columns were loaded with the effluent collected from the first columns, creating a two-stage VFCW system with four unique pairs to be tested. The leachate used here experienced no prior pre-treatment, and average influent concentrations of NH3–N for the first- and second-stage VFCWs were 508 and 321 mg L−1, respectively— much higher than many other VFCW treatment systems. Some reduction in chemical oxygen demand was observed, as well as generation of nitrate and nitrite, evidence of nitrification. No apparent correlation between aboveground biomass and removal of NH3–N was observed. Overall removal efficiency of NH3–N through two stages of VFCWs was 53.7% for columns planted with T. latifolia and 58.3% for those planted with S. Californicus. Average NH3–N removal efficiencies for the first stage VFCWs were 32.7% and 34.3%, while those in the second stage were 31.3% and 36.5%; no significant difference was observed between the first and second stage, suggesting that stage number does not have a significant effect on the removal efficiency of NH3–N in the primary treatment of landfill leachate via VFCWs. However, average mass removal rates of NH3–N in the first stage were 166 and 175 mg L−1 d−1; the second stage was significantly lower at 99.4 and 112 mg L−1 d−1, indicating that the first stage removed more pollutants overall.

Characterization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other constituents in MSW landfill leachate from Puerto Rico

Elevated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) concentrations have been reported in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachate with higher levels in wet and warmer subtropical climates. Information about landfill leachate characteristics is much more limited in tropical climates. In this study, 20 landfill leachate samples were collected from three MSW landfills on the tropical island of Puerto Rico and results were compared against landfills nationally and within Florida, USA. The samples collected in Puerto Rico underwent physical-chemical analysis, as well as a quantitative analysis of 92 PFAS. Samples described in this study include discrete leachate types, such as leachate, gas condensate, and leachate which has undergone on-site treatment (e.g., RO treatment, phytoremediation, lagoons). A total of 51 PFAS were detected above quantitation limits, including perfluorohexylphosphonic acid, a perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) which has not been reported previously in landfill leachate. ∑PFAS concentrations in this study (mean: 38,000 ng L−1), as well as concentrations of individual PFAS, are significantly higher than other reported MSW landfill leachate concentrations. The profiles of leachates collected from on-site treatment systems indicate possible transformation of precursor PFAS as a result of treatment processes – oxidizing conditions, for example, may facilitate aerobic transformation, increase the concentrations of PFAAs, and possibly increase the apparent ∑PFAS concentration. Extreme climate events, including rising temperatures and more frequent hurricanes, have placed additional strain on the solid waste management infrastructure on the island – adding complexity to an already challenging PFAS management issue. As concern grows over PFAS contamination in drinking water, these findings should inform solid waste and leachate management decisions in order to minimize PFAS emissions in island environments.

Pb(ΙΙ), Cd(ΙΙ), and Mn(ΙΙ) adsorption onto pruning-derived biochar: physicochemical characterization, modeling and application in real landfill leachate

The aim of this study was to systemically evaluate how different pyrolysis temperatures (400, 550, and 700 °C) and particle sizes (1–2 mm and 63–75 µm) were influenced biochar evolution, made from urban pruning waste, during pyrolysis process and to establish their relationships with biochar potential for removal of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and manganese (Mn) from real municipal solid waste landfill leachate. The effects of pH (2–7), contact time (30–300 min) and adsorbent dosage (0.1–5 g L−1) on heavy metals removal were also examined. The results showed that physicochemical properties of biochar were greatly influenced by pyrolysis temperature. Particle size, however, showed little influence on biochar characteristics (p > 0.05). The yield, volatile matter, hydrogen and oxygen contents, and surface functional groups decreased consistently with increasing pyrolysis temperature. An increase in the pH, electrical conductivity, ash, fixed carbon, and specific surface area values was also found. In biochar samples formed at high temperatures (i.e., 550 and 700 °C), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-FTIR studies confirmed the increase in aromaticity. Field emission scanning electron microscopy-FESEM images showed differences in the microporous structure and lower size pores at higher temperatures. Biochar pyrolyzed at 700 °C with a particle size of 63–75 µm (i.e., Lv700-63) showed the highest removal efficiency performance. Pb and Cd ions were completely removed (100%) by 0.2 g L−1 Lv700-63 at 7.0 pH and contact times of 120 and 90 min, respectively. The maximum percentage removal of Mn was 86.20% at optimum conditions of 0.2 g L−1 Lv700-63 dosage, 7.0 pH, and 180 min contact time. The findings suggests that the surface complexation, π-electron coordination, and cation exchange were the dominant mechanisms for the Pb, Cd, and Mn removal onto Lv700-63.

Identification of microplastics in raw and treated municipal solid waste landfill leachates in Hong Kong, China

Plastics are indispensable in modern society but also pose a persistent threat to the environment. In particular, microplastics (MPs) have a substantial environmental impact on ecosystems. Municipal solid waste landfill leachates are a source of MPs, but leakage of MPs from leachates has only been reported in a few studies. As a modern city, Hong Kong has a remarkably high population density and a massive plastic waste generation. However, it depends on conventional landfilling for plastic waste management and traditional thermal ammonia stripping for leachate treatment. Yet, the MP leakage from landfill leachates in Hong Kong has not been disclosed. This is the first study that aimed to identify, quantify, and characterise MPs in raw and treated leachates, respectively, from major landfill sites in Hong Kong. The concentrations of MPs varied from 49.0 ± 24.3 to 507.6 ± 37.3 items/L among the raw leachate samples, and a potential correlation was found between the concentration of MPs in the raw leachate sample from a given landfill site and the annual leachate generation of the site. Most MPs were 100–500 μm fragments or filaments and were transparent or yellow. Regarding the polymeric materials among the identified MPs, poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polyethylene were the most abundant types, comprising 45.30% and 21.37% of MPs, respectively. Interestingly, leachates treated by ammonia stripping contained higher concentrations of MPs than raw leachate samples, which demonstrated that the traditional treatment process may not be sufficient regarding the removal of emerging pollutants, such as MPs. Overall, our findings provide a more comprehensive picture of the pollution of MPs in landfill leachates in Hong Kong and highlight the urgent need for adopting the consideration of MPs into the conventional mindset of waste management systems in Hong Kong.

Assessing construction and demolition wood-derived biochar for in-situ per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) removal from landfill leachate

With regulations for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) impending, the abundance of these chemicals of emerging concern in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachate increasingly challenges landfill operators to seek on-site leachate pre-treatment options. This two-staged study explores the potential reuse of biochar derived from construction and demolition debris (CDD) wood as an in-situ PFAS sorbent for application within MSW landfill leachate collection systems. Batch leaching tests were first used to examine the feasibility of capturing PFAS from landfill leachate using two sources of CDD-wood-derived biochar. Then, columns were used to test the in-situ sorption capabilities of the same biochars under simulated landfill conditions. All leachates were characterized for pH, chemical oxygen demand, ammonia-nitrogen, and 92 PFAS. Seventeen PFAS were detected in the batch leaching experiment, and nine PFAS were detected in column leachates. In the batch leaching scenario, Biochar 1 achieved a maximum of 29% PFAS reduction compared to controls. Columns containing Biochar 1 generated leachates with PFAS concentrations 50% to 80% higher than those in control columns for the duration of the experiment. Columns containing Biochar 2 generated leachates with PFAS concentrations 44% less than controls in week 1 and similar concentrations in weeks 2, 3, and 4. In this study, PFAS removal from landfill leachate using biochar derived from CDD wood was not significant. Further research on biochar derived from CDD wood is needed before it can be recommended as an in-situ landfill leachate pre-treatment method.

Microplastics as carriers of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachate and soil: a review.

Microplastics as carriers of antibiotic resistance genes and pathogens in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachate and soil: a review.

Hydraulic Conductivity Characteristics of Iron-Ore Tailings–Bentonite Mixtures Exposed to Landfill Leachate

Landfill liner materials are required to provide reliable hydraulic performance for very long times after construction, and at least for the design lifespan of the facility. To meet this objective, liner systems must retain their low hydraulic conductivity over their service lives. In this paper, we report on the durability aspects of iron-ore tailings (IOT)–bentonite mixtures in extended hydraulic conductivity experiments. The hydraulic conductivity tests were conducted on mixtures containing 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% bentonite, compacted at 2% wet of optimum by the British standard light (BSL) effort, and permeated with municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachate (electrical conductivity = 25.60 mS/m, pH = 7.94) with or without prehydration for a duration of 120 days. Under these influences, permeation with leachate showed no detrimental effect on mixtures with 25% and 30% bentonite, but was rather beneficial in reducing the hydraulic conductivity (k) values of the two mixtures at the end of testing by two orders of magnitude to 4.19 × 10−8 and 9.25 × 10−9 cm/s for the prehydrated specimens and 2.4 × 10−8 and 9.9 × 10−9 cm/s for the nonprehydrated specimens. For mixtures containing 20%, 35%, and 40% bentonite, k values representing a 1.6 times decrease from the average were recorded for both the prehydrated and nonprehydrated conditions at the end of testing. Further analysis showed that prehydration had a slightly substantial effect on those specimens containing 20%, 35%, and 40% bentonite, whereas it had a minor effect, if any, on mixtures with 25% and 30% bentonite. In terms of durability, only mixtures containing 25% and 30% bentonite that consistently maintained low k values up to the end of testing are projected to be effective as liner materials in the construction of geological repositories for MSW. Regarding the hydraulic conductivity characteristics of the mixtures upon exposure to the combined effects of leachate and the elevated temperatures expected in landfill conditions, all mixtures maintained relatively good hydraulic performance, exhibiting a decrease in hydraulic conductivity with time.

Estimating the Mass of Pharmaceuticals Harbored in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills by Analyzing Refuse Samples at Various Ages and Depths.

Pharmaceuticals have been detected at high concentrations in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachates, which are recognized as an underestimated source of pharmaceutical residues in the environment. However, limited efforts have been made to characterize pharmaceuticals in MSW landfill refuse, which is also of significant concern given the potential long-term environmental impact. Herein, we excavated landfill refuse from six cells with landfill ages of 7-27 years in the largest MSW landfill in Shanghai (in each cell, landfill refuse was collected from different depths of 2-8 m) and analyzed samples for the presence of 55 pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics and non-antibiotics. The results reveal the presence of 42 pharmaceuticals in landfill refuse, with median concentrations ranging from 0.30 to 116 μg/kg. Antibiotic and non-antibiotic pharmaceuticals exhibited diverse concentration trends with age, related to changes in policy intervention and consumption over time. Different concentration variations of individual pharmaceuticals were observed in refuse samples excavated at different depths and positively correlated to their sorption ability. The mass of pharmaceuticals in the investigated landfill was estimated from the obtained concentrations to be 80-220 tons with 95% probability, based on Monte Carlo analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first estimate of pharmaceutical mass in an MSW landfill. The results will be helpful for understanding the potential long-term environmental impact of pharmaceuticals in landfills.

Degradation of Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Leachate Using Ferrites from Spent Batteries as Heterogeneous Solar Photo-Fenton Catalyst

Degradation of Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Leachate Using Ferrites from Spent Batteries as Heterogeneous Solar Photo-Fenton Catalyst

Behavior of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Pilot-Scale vertical flow constructed wetlands treating landfill leachate

This study investigated the behavior of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in multiple pilot-scale vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCW) treating landfill leachate. Eight pilot-scale VFCW columns planted with Typha latifolia or Scirpus Californicus were fed untreated municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachate that was diluted with potable water at a 1:10 ratio (1 part leachate to 10 parts total) at a fixed daily hydraulic loading rate of 0.525 m d-1. Ninety-two PFAS were examined and 18 PFAS were detected at quantifiable concentrations (7 precursor species and 11 terminal species). The average concentration of Σ92 PFAS in the influent was 3,100 ng L-1, which corresponded with minimal reduction in the effluents from the four VFCW (decreases ranged from 1% to 12% on average for Σ18 PFAS); however, precursors 6:3 FTCA, 7:3 FTCA, N-MeFOSAA, and N-EtFOSAA concentrations decreased significantly in the VFCW effluents, and significant decreases in the concentrations of these PFAA-precursors were concurrent with a significant increase in concentrations of five PFAAs (PFBA, PFNA, PFBS, PFOS, and PFOSI). This trend indicates that from a regulatory perspective, standalone VFCWs are likely to produce an apparent PFAS increase, which may also be true for many other leachate treatment processes incorporating aerobic biological treatment. Additional treatment to address PFAS should be integrated prior to the use of any system, including VFCWs, for the treatment of constituents of concern in MSW landfill leachate.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) distribution in landfill gas collection systems: leachate and gas condensate partitioning

While per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been reported extensively in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachate,they have rarely been quantified in landfill gas or in discrete landfill liquids such as landfill gas condensate (LGC), and the potential for PFAS to partition to the condensate has not been reported. LGC and leachate collected from within gas wells known as gas well pump-out (GWP) from three MSW landfills underwent physical-chemical characterization and PFAS analysis to improve understanding of the conditions under which these liquids form and to illuminate PFAS behavior within landfills. LGC was observed to be clear liquid containing ammonia and alkalinity while GWP strongly resembled leachate – dark in color, high in chloride and ammonia. Notably, arsenic and antimony were found in concentrations exceeding regulatory thresholds by over two orders of magnitude in many LGC samples. LGC contained a lower average concentration of ΣPFAS (19,000 ng L) compared to GWP (56,000 ng L); however, LGC contained more diversity of PFAS, with 53 quantified compared to 44 in GWP. LGC contained proportionally more precursor PFAS than GWP, including more semi-volatile PFAS which are rarely measured in water matrices, such as fluorotelomer alcohols and perfluoroalkane sulfonamido ethanols. This study provides the first detailed comparison of these matrices to inform timely leachate management decisions.

Swelling Behavior and Flow Rates of a Novel Hydrophilic Gasket Used in Composite Geomembrane Vertical Cutoff Walls and Infrastructures Exposed to Contaminated Groundwater

The swelling capacity of novel hydrophilic gaskets used in geomembrane cutoff walls and infrastructures is critical for decreasing the flow rates of contaminated groundwater. This study investigated the swelling behavior, relaxation characteristics, flow rates, and micro-morphology of a hydrophilic gasket with different testing liquids. The radial swelling tests were performed using a device modified from single-lever consolidation instrument. A flow rates model apparatus was manufactured and employed to measure the flow rates of the poor-sealing hydrophilic gasket. According to the test results, the swelling ratio of the hydrophilic gaskets soaked in the DIW were the highest, followed by the NaCl solution, the MSW landfill leachate, and the CaCl2 solution. Relaxation phenomena appeared in all the specimens regardless of the testing liquids. The flow rates of the specimens penetrated with DIW, NaCl, and CaCl2 decreased to a stable state, and then increased extremely slowly to stable values. Moreover, self-healing of the hydrophilic gasket was observed. The micro-morphology indicated that sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) with insufficient expansion could separate from the matrix under high multivalent ionic strength or loading pressure conditions. Therefore, it is critical to develop the modified hydrophilic gasket with resistance to contaminated groundwater for a better barrier performance for use in contaminated sites and infrastructures.

Factors affecting multicomponent GCL-geomembrane interface transmissivity for landfills

A series of laboratory tests were conducted to investigate the interface transmissivity, θ, between a 1.5 mm thick high-density polyethylene geomembrane (GMB) and a multicomponent geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) when permeated with a simulated municipal solid waste landfill leachate under a range of applied stresses (10–150 kPa). The effect of three different prehydration fluids, a 4 mm diameter central coating defect, coating defect position, and the effect of coating orientation of the GCL were investigated. It was found that at an applied stress of less than 70 kPa, the effect of these factors on θ was largely masked by the variability in the initial interface contact condition between the GMB and GCL. At 100–150 kPa, the effects of initial variability were largely eliminated, but there was no notable effect of other factors for multicomponent GCLs on interface transmissivity.

A comprehensive investigation of toxicity and pollution potential of municipal solid waste landfill leachate.

It is evident from the literature that research on the treatment of leachate generated from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills has been a focus area of environmental management. However, the available information is discrete because most studies have reported only one or a couple of aspects of either closed or active MSW landfill leachate treatment. Hence, this investigation has focused on comprehensive attributes of both closed landfill leachate (CLL) and active landfill leachate (ALL), including generation, characterisation, and toxicity assessment to quantify and establish their pollution potential. The results indicated that CLL generation is higher (188.59 m3/d) than ALL (49.53 m3/d). The concentrations of principal physical, chemical, and biological constituents and concomitant leachate pollution index were higher in CLL (33.20) than in ALL (26.65). Furthermore, the germination indices of CLL (57.48) and ALL (79.14) and tail DNA damage of CLL (56.49%) and ALL (23.8%) ratified greater phytotoxicity and genotoxicity potential, respectively of CLL over ALL. The reasons for the variations in the generation, characteristics, and toxicity of CLL and ALL were discussed in detail. Evaluation of the commonly used landfill leachate treatment methods through the analytical hierarchy process confirmed that the activated sludge process and Fenton oxidation process are the most and least preferred treatment methods. The comprehensive investigation of CLL and ALL have established their pollution potential and the inevitable necessity for their treatment. The findings of this investigation will serve as a ready reference for researchers from academia and industry who work on the monitoring, treatment, and management of landfill leachate.

Impact of thermal pre-treatment on anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge and landfill leachate

The complex microbial flocs with rigid cell walls and undigested organic matter in the domestic sewage sludge defy anaerobic digestion, especially hydrolysis, the rate-limiting step of anaerobic digestion. The anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste landfill leachate is challenging because of its high refractory organics and ammoniacal nitrogen. However, if sewage sludge and landfill leachate are mixed in an optimal ratio and pre-treated, they can be anaerobically co-digested and clean bioenergy can be harnessed. Among the pre-treatment methods, thermal pre-treatment is preferred because it is simple and economical yet effective. In this investigation, sewage sludge from a domestic sewage treatment plant and landfill leachate from an active municipal solid waste landfill were mixed in the ratio of 75:25 and thermally pre-treated at 70 °C for 60 min. The pre-treated substrates were anaerobically digested at 37 ± 1 °C using fresh cow dung slurry as the inocula. The results of this experiment were compared with the control experiment in which substrates without pre-treatment were used. Though biogas production from the fresh substrates was higher during the initial days, it decreased after the seventh day. For the thermal pre-treated substrates, the biogas production was low during the first week, which started to increase from the tenth day until the end of the experiment. The cumulative biogas yields from untreated and thermal pre-treated reactors were 723.5 and 418 mL, respectively.

Occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in municipal solid waste landfill leachates from western China.

Landfill leachate has been documented as a significant source of trace organic pollutants, comprising an expansive family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This study presents the findings on the distribution of 13 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and 4 perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) in leachates from 6 municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills in western China. The total concentrations of 17 PFAS in sampled leachates ranged from 1805 to 43,310ng/L, and 15 compounds were detected in all samples. The short-chain compounds perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS, mean mass fraction 23.1%) and perfluorobutyric acid (PFBA, mean mass fraction 20.6%) were dominant. There were higher PFAS concentrations in leachates from operating landfills (mean: 12,194ng/L) compared to closed landfills (mean: 2747ng/L), but there was no significant difference between young (< 10years) and old landfills (> 10years). Moderate to weak correlations were observed between PFAS concentrations and leachate properties, e.g., TN, NH4+-N, TOC, and pH. This is the first report on the distribution of PFAS in landfill leachates from western China. The results have identified landfill leachate as an underestimated source of PFAS in the environment and have contributed to a more comprehensive evaluation on PFAS presence across China.

Electrochemical treatment of municipal landfill leachates and implications for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal

This work reports the electrochemical treatment of municipal solid waste landfill leachates in a parallel plate cell provided with boron doped diamond (BDD) anodes. Two types of samples were electrooxidized at three current densities between 200 and 800 A/m2: (i) raw leachates; and (ii) the leachate after treatment in a membrane bioreactor (MBR), characterized by its near-zero ammonia content. In absence of ammonia, the electrogenerated chlorine oxidants accelerated the removal of chemical oxygen demand but barely influenced the mineralization of persistent organic pollutants still retained in the MBR-treated leachate. Furthermore, we investigated the removal of 17 poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contained in the real MBR-treated leachate (∑17PFAS = 3456 ng/L). The operation at 200 A/m2 increased perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) concentration, indicating the presence of unknown precursors in the MBR-treated leachate. Working at 800 A/m2 successfully reduced the Σ17PFAS content by 95% in 6 h. Σ17PFAS showed decreasing trends, and only perfluoropentanoic and perfluorobutanoic acids showed temporal increases that later on went down as the long chain PFCAs were degraded into shorter chain homologs. 1-log (90%) Σ17PFAS reduction was achieved in 4.5 h, when the formation of undesirable perchlorate was still near undetectable. We estimate that the PFAS electrooxidation rate in the leachate matrix was one-sixth of the removal rate observed in a previous study treating a cocktail of PFAS in synthetic contaminated groundwater. Overall, this work provides useful data to guide the design of advanced onsite treatment of landfill leachates, one of the main secondary PFAS entry to the environment.

A critical review of the recently developed laboratory-scale municipal solid waste landfill leachate treatment technologies

Leachate contamination poses a serious risk to water resources. Therefore sustainable treatment techniques are essential to protect the environment and public health. The study provides a comprehensive review of leachate treatment technologies with a critical evaluation of the strengths and limitations. The choice of technology is highly dependent on the capital and operating cost, types of leachate, and regulatory standards. The study observed that aerobic biological treatment (e.g., lagoons, constructed wetlands) and physicochemical treatment (e.g., air stripping, coagulation, flocculation, etc.) are suitable to remove organic substances. While the above technologies have limitations in treating heavy metals and ammonia. On the other hand, adsorption and advanced oxidation are very effective in treating old leachate that contains heavy metals and NH3-N. But the process needs pretreatment and expensive chemicals supply, which is unsustainable. Advanced oxidation can efficiently remove COD, especially from matured leachates due to the complete degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants. Still, it seems ineffective for young leachates with high organic pollutant loads. The review also identifies the cost for chemicals and energy needed to treat different leachates with each specific technology. Therefore, innovative techniques are required that will minimize energy consumption, sludge and toxin production, and recover organic, inorganic, xenobiotic compounds in a harmless phase and maximize their beneficial applications.