The unique distribution pattern of PFAS in landfill organics

PFAS from degrading landfill waste partition into organic matter, leachate, and landfill gas. Driven by the limited understanding of PFAS distribution in landfill organics, we analyzed PFAS across various depths and seven spatially distinct locations within a municipal landfill. The measured PFAS concentrations in organics ranged from 6.71 to 73.06 µg kg⁻¹, a sum of twenty-nine PFAS from six classes. Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) were the dominant classes, constituting 25–82 % and 8–40 % of total PFAS at different depths. PFBA was the most dominant PFCA with a concentration range of 0.90–37.91 µg kg⁻¹, while 5:3 FTCA was the most prevalent FTCA with a concentration of 0.26–17.99 µg kg⁻¹. A clear vertical distribution of PFAS was observed, with significantly greater PFAS concentrations at the middle depths (20–35 ft), compared to the shallow (10–20 ft) and high depths (35–50 ft). A strong positive correlation (r > 0.50) was noted between total PFAS, total carbon, and dissolved organic matter in landfill organics. Multivariate statistical analysis inferred common sources and transformations of PFAS within the landfill. This study underscores the importance of a system-level analysis of PFAS fate in landfills, considering waste variability, chemical properties, release mechanisms, and PFAS transformations.