Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-5-2025

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Journal of Hazardous Materials

Source ISSN

0304-3894

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136685

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in consumer products and are particularly high in landfill leachate. The practice of sending leachate to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is an issue for utilities that have biosolids land application limits based on PFAS concentrations. Moreover, landfills may face their own effluent limit guidelines for PFAS. The purpose of this review is to understand the most appropriate treatment technology combinations for mitigating PFAS in landfill leachate. The first objective is to understand the unique chemical characteristics of landfill leachate. The second objective is to establish the role and importance of known and emerging analytical techniques for PFAS characterization in leachate, including quantification of precursor compounds. Next, an overview of technologies that concentrate PFAS and technologies that destroy PFAS is provided, including fundamental background content and key operating parameters. Finally, practical considerations for PFAS treatment technologies are reviewed, and recommendations for PFAS treatment trains are described. Both pros and cons of treatment trains are noted. In summary, the complex matrix of leachate requires a separation treatment step first, such as foam fractionation, for example, concentrate the PFAS into a lower-volume stream. Then, a degradation treatment step can be applied to the concentrated PFAS stream.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol. 481 (January 5, 2025). DOI. © 2025 Elsevier. Used with permission.

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