Mapping of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) including microplastic in landfill leachate, their current ecological impact and sustainable technologies for their removal (MECROPLAN)

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), are harmful organic chemicals used extensively in consumer and industrial products that can eventually end up in landfills.

Many CECs are extremely persistent (e.g. perfluoroalkyl substances, microplastics) and are commonly detected in the aquatic environment. These chemicals can potentially cause adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Current treatment techniques for landfill leachates are preliminary designed to target nutrients and metals.

This project aims to map CECs in Swedish landfill leachates and investigate strategies for their efficient removal, thus, reducing the negative impact of CECs on the aquatic environment.

The specific objectives are to i) identify the most relevant CECs and microplastic leaking from landfill facilities, ii) assess their transport, mass flows and seasonal variation at a selected study site, and their impacts on nearby aquatic ecosystems, and iii) improve treatment technology for efficient removal of CECs using mycoremediation and biochar.

This research is essential for the protection of aquatic ecosystems and achieve the national environmental goal of ‘a non-toxic environment’.

This project will create a strong scientific basis for innovative state-of-the-art technologies that will help landfill facilities to improve their treatment systems for removal of CECs and to make well-founded decisions concerning investments in treatment technology for improved water quality in the society.