Microplastics in landfill leachate: Sources, detection, occurrence, and removal

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Waste Management

Background:

• Landfills accumulate significant plastic waste, leading to microplastic contamination in landfill leachate.
• Microplastic release from leachate threatens environmental and human health.
• Understanding microplastic dynamics in leachate is crucial for effective pollution control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the current scientific understanding of microplastics in landfill leachate.
• To identify sources, detection methods, occurrence, and remediation strategies for microplastics in leachate.
• To provide insights into the fate, transport, and management of microplastics within landfill systems.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review focusing on recent scientific publications (primarily the last decade).
• Analysis of data on microplastic sources, concentrations, polymer types, morphologies, and removal efficiencies.
• Synthesis of information on remediation, disposal, and management challenges.

Main Results:

• Solid waste and wastewater treatment residues are primary microplastic sources in leachate.
• Microplastic concentrations range from 0-382 items/L in raw leachate and 0-2.7 items/L in treated leachate.
• Polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene fibers and fragments are the most common microplastics found.

Conclusions:

• Leachate treatment can remove microplastics, with efficiencies varying by method (3%-100%).
• Light-colored microplastics suggest long-term degradation.
• The landfill-wastewater treatment plant loop and bioreactor landfills present complex challenges and opportunities for microplastic management.