PFAS IN LANDFILL LEACHATE
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PACE® WAS ONE OF THE FIRST LABS IN THE U.S. TO SUPPORT RESPONSIBLE WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES WITH TESTING SERVICES FOR PFAS IN LEACHATE.
(UNDER)LINING THE ISSUE
Leachate from unlined or poorly lined landfills, commonly found in industry and on construction sites, can contaminate local groundwater and surface water. Since PFAS don’t degrade naturally, contamination may continue for decades after the landfill has been decommissioned.
Municipal landfills are typically well-lined, and leachate may be sent to the local wastewater treatment plant for processing. Unfortunately, traditional wastewater treatment processes do not remove PFAS and can convert PFAS precursors into terminal compounds. Aeration and oxidation in lagoons or tanks at the landfill can also affect total detectable PFAS. Finally, leachate may also be disposed of via evaporation or incineration. These processes can contribute to the air deposition of toxic compounds. Once PFAS are burned or evaporated, tracking their fate and transport becomes much more difficult.
SOURCES OF PFAS IN LANDFILL
Both industrial and municipal landfills are easily contaminated with PFAS. Here are just a few common sources.
Construction Waste
Roofing, carpeting, wiring, solar panels, and more may contain PFAS to make them more durable.
Food Packaging
PFAS is often added to paper and paperboard food packaging to make it grease resistant.
Discarded Clothing
PFAS has historically been used to weather-proof clothing or to make it flame-retardant.
Industrial Waste
PFAS may be used in industrial applications as a lubricant or to increase mechanical durability.
Fluorinated Plastics
PFAS added to plastics can prevent seepage and block noxious fumes and unpleasant odors.
Household Garbage
Cosmetics, non-stick cookware, cleaning products and other waste may contain PFAS.
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)
During construction, e.g. runway expansion at a local airport or military installation, soil contaminated by AFFF may be sent to a local landfill.
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE FOR LEACHATE
The U.S. EPA plans to use available programs to address environmental contamination from leachate and other sources. ELG Plan 15 specifically calls for effluent guidelines to be issued for PFAS in wastewater discharge from landfills. In addition, landfills are covered by National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting and the EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) program.
TEST METHODS FOR PFAS IN LEACHATE AND LANDFILL
Various methods can be used to assess PFAS in landfill leachate and solids. Pace® can help you select the right method based on your scenario and the goals of your project.
EPA Draft Method 1633
Targets 40 additional PFAS in leachate and other aqueous matrices
PFAS by Isotope Dilution
Pace® method for targeted PFAS
DOD QSM v5.3; v5.4
Quality control standards for PFAS testing
EPA SW-846 Method 8327
Recently developed method for targeted PFAS
True-TOF®
Low-volume test method for total organic fluorine (TOF)
Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF) / EPA Draft Method 1621
Screening method used to quantify TOF at the ppb level in aqueous matrices
TOP Assay
Method for analyzing PFAS precursors in a liquid matrix
PFAS MATTERS
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REASONS TO CHOOSE PACE®
EXPERIENCED
Pace® has been an industry leader in persistent organic pollutant testing for over three decades.
CERTIFIED
We’re certified/accredited by NELAC, ISO, DOD, DOE, and in every state with a PFAS lab certification program.
RELIABLE
For emergencies, our Rapid Response Team can provide defensible results in as little as 24 hours.
COMMITTED
We are committed to helping our customers advance their important work through building strong relationships, delivering upon expectations, and providing exceptional customer service.
ADVANCED
We can test for PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices, including potable and non-potable waters, soils, and biota.
INNOVATIVE
We’re on the leading edge of science, working with EPA, DOD, ASTM, and others to develop new methods for analyzing PFAS.
