Revealing Landfill Microplastic-PFAS Interactions via Field investigation and Machine-Learning Enhanced Prediction

Funded by Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Manament

Project Duration: September, 2025 to August, 2026

Project Narrative:

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as significant contributors to environmental pollution with landfills identified as a primary source. MPs in landfills also serve as carriers for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which pose substantial health and environmental risks due to their highly persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative characteristics. Additionally, the presence of PFAS precursors in landfills further amplifies these risks through transformation into PFASs, whose transport is also facilitated by MPs. However, the interactions between MPs and PFASs, particularly within Floridian landfills, remain underexplored. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by comprehensively characterizing MPs and identifying aggregated MP-PFAS composites in Floridian landfills. Using combined bench-scale experiments and machine learning-enhanced quantitative structure/property relationship (QSPR) models, the research seeks to elucidate the MP-PFAS interaction mechanisms and predict their fate and transport in landfill systems. Beyond addressing a critical environmental issue, this project aims to develop advanced data management tools that can be further integrated into landfill leachate monitoring, offering actionable insights for integrated solid waste management.

Research Questions:

How many microplastic are existing in Florida landfill leachate?
What percentage of microplastic are associated with PFAS?
What is the mechanism of microplastic-PFAS interaction?
Can we predict its long-term retention and associated risk for solid waste management?

Task Summary:

Task 1: Identification of MP-PFAS composites in field sampling of landfill leachate

Task 2: Elucidation of MP-PFAS interaction mechanisms via bench-scaled investigation

Task 3: Construction of machine learning enhanced MP-PFAS prediction models

Report

Coming soon

Team Members

PI: Dr. Yudi Wu (Florida Poly)

Co-PI: Dr. Sanjeeta N. Ghimire (Florida Poly)

Co-PI: Dr. Gang Chen (Florida State)

Students:

Lin Qi (Postdoctral Researcher, Florida State)
Sunim Acharya (Graduate Student, Florida Poly)
Judah Hudson (Undergraduate Student, Florida Poly)

TAG (Technical Awareness Group) memebers:

Dr. Natalia Soares Quinete, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Florida International University
Dr.Yelena Katsenovich, Sr. Research Scientist, Applied Research Center, Florida International University
Dr. Hari Parthasarathy, Ph.D., P.E. (SC), Principal Engineer, Geosyntec consultants
Mr. Joe Dertien, P.E., Division of Waste Management, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Mr. Danny M. Gallagher, E.I., Project Manager of Sustainability & Disposal Operations, Solid Waste Management Department, Hillsborough County
Ms. Shanin T. Speas-Frost, P.E., MBA, Professional Engineer III, Oil & Gas Program, Division of Water Resource Management, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Dr. Luke A. Mulford, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Professional Engineer, Water Resources Department, Hillsborough County

TAG Meeting

Coming soon