Investigation of Amendment-based Immobilization Technologies on PFAS Leaching from Biosolids in Solid Waste Management Facilities

Grantees: Onur Apul, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, Arjun Venkatesan Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Patrick McKeown, Emerging Compounds Treatment Technologies 

Budget: $200,000

Project Duration: 2 years

As land application bans for PFAS-laden biosolids increase, landfilling has become a primary disposal route—raising new concerns about PFAS leaching into the environment. This EREF-funded research evaluated leading amendment technologies designed to immobilize PFAS in biosolids under landfill conditions. Through systematic lab testing, the study identified how different amendments, PFAS types, and leachate chemistry affect leaching behavior. The results offer practical guidance for landfill operators seeking safe, interim PFAS management strategies until permanent destruction solutions become viable.