Landfill waste treatment systems designed to remove toxic chemicals are instead increasing levels of banned PFAS compounds, creating more pollution in rivers and groundwater, a study finds.
Rachel Salvidge reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Researchers discovered that landfill treatment plants aimed at decontaminating waste leachate are causing spikes in PFAS levels, including banned variants PFOA and PFOS.
- PFAS, used widely in consumer goods, are linked to cancers and can persist in the environment for thousands of years, with these chemicals now contaminating global ecosystems.
- Experts urge comprehensive PFAS regulation, suggesting a global ban to prevent further contamination and calling on the UK to adopt stricter controls similar to EU proposals.
Key quote:
“It’s paramount that we identify other treatment processes that remove PFAS from leachate prior to its release into the environment.”
— Dr. Daniel Drage, associate professor at the University of Birmingham
Why this matters:
PFAS contamination in groundwater and rivers poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems. With rising PFAS levels and global demand for pollution control, stricter regulations and innovations in waste treatment could be vital for public health and environmental protection.
Related: Landfills release dangerous chemicals into the air, study finds
