Characterization and fate of total PFAS leaking from waste management

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are man-made chemicals with ultimate persistence and associated environmental- and human health risks.

Due to their unique properties, thousands of different PFASs used in household and industrial applications could be circulating in the society.

The knowledge of presence and fate of the total number and amount of PFASs (totPFASs) in waste management is very limited. At the same time there is a confirmed leakage to the environment.

Our research shows that known PFASs only accounts for 10 % of the total organic fluorine in effluents from waste water treatment plants.This project will study totPFASs in selected streams from waste management using a novel combination of methodologies aiming at characterize and define totPFASs using organic fluorine measurement in combination with non-target strategies, and determine the leakage and parameters influencing leakage.

The project will deliver descriptions of methodology for totPFASs and monitoring data on leakage and fate of totPFASs from waste managements including landfills, incineration, and handling- and recycling facilities.The project will be performed in close contact with the trade organization and stakeholders.

The results will advance the scientific understanding of circulating totPFASs, and bring new knowledge into waste treatment development and support human and environmental risk assessment to provide for a non-toxic environment and circular economy.