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Transformation of phthalates in young landfill cells
S Jonsson1, J Ejlertsson, B H Svensson
1Department of Water and Environmental Studies, Linköping University, S-581 83 Linköping, Sweden. susjo@tema.liu.se
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.)
|September 6, 2003
Summary
Phthalate diesters and their breakdown products were analyzed in landfill leachates. Concentrations of these compounds increased during early landfill stages but decreased as stable conditions developed.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Geochemistry
- Waste Management
Background:
- Phthalic acid diesters are common plastic additives found in materials disposed of in landfills.
- Landfill leachates can contain various chemical compounds, including plasticizers and their degradation products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the concentrations of specific phthalate diesters and their monoesters in landfill leachates over time.
- To correlate phthalate degradation patterns with landfill degradation phases (acidogenic and methanogenic).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl, butylbenzyl, and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and their corresponding monoesters in leachates from three landfill cells.
- Monitoring of pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and total organic carbon (TOC) to characterize landfill degradation stages.
Main Results:
- Phthalate degradation products were below detection limits in acidogenic leachates.
- Concentrations of phthalate monoesters exceeded their diesters in the initial methanogenic phase.
- Maximum phthalic acid concentration reached 50 mg/l, and other phthalates reached 430 µg/l.
- All phthalate concentrations declined with the establishment of stable methanogenic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Phthalate degradation is linked to landfill microbial activity and degradation phases.
- The methanogenic phase plays a significant role in the transformation and potential reduction of phthalate compounds in landfills.