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Science of the Total Environment 408 (2010) 5147–5157

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Science of the Total Environment


j o u r n a l h o m e p a g e : w w w. e l s ev i e r. c o m / l o c a t e / s c i t o t e n v

Municipal landfill leachates: A significant source for new and emerging pollutants
Trine Eggen a,⁎, Monika Moeder b, Augustine Arukwe c
a
Bioforsk, Vest Særheim, Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research, Postveien 213, N-4353 Klepp st., Norway
b
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research UFZ, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany
c
Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Landfills have historically remained the most common methods of organized waste disposal and still remain
Received 22 April 2010 so in many regions of the world. Thus, they may contain wastes resulting from several decades of disposal
Received in revised form 15 July 2010 and decomposition with subsequent release of organic compounds that may have environmental, wildlife
Accepted 17 July 2010
and human health consequences. Products containing different types of additives with unique beneficial
Available online 8 August 2010
improvement properties are in daily use. However, when these products are decomposed, additives are
Keywords:
release into the environment, some of which have been shown to have negative environmental impacts,
Landfill leachates resulting in the ban or at least restricted application of some chemicals. New and emerging compounds are
Pharmaceuticals continuously discovered in the environment. Herein, we report qualitative and quantitative data on the
Musk compounds occurrence of new and emerging compounds with increasing environmental and public health concern in
Perfluorinated compounds water- and particle phase of landfill leachates. Under normal environmental conditions, several of these
Non-target screening chemicals are persistent high-volume products. Identified chemicals in the leachates at nanogram (ng) or
microgram (μg) per liter levels include — chlorinated alkylphosphates such as tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)
phosphate (TCPP), N-butyl benzensulfonamide (NBBS), the insect repellent diethyl toluamide (DEET) and
personal care products such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen and polycyclic musk
compounds. Among new and emerging contaminants, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were measured in
the water phase at concentrations up to 6231 ng/L. Compared with the other chemicals, PFCs were primarily
distributed in water phase. An effective removal method for PFCs and other polar and persistent compounds
from landfill leachates has been a major challenge, since commonly used treatment technologies are based
on aeration and sedimentation. Thus, the present study has shown that municipal landfill leachates may
represent a significant source of concern for legacy, new and emerging chemicals in groundwater.
© 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction biological oxygen demand, nutrients and metal ions. Since the 1990s,
extended studies that include organic chemical groups such as phenolic
Municipal landfills may be sources of a wide range of compounds compounds, aromatic acids, chlorinated aromatic compounds, and
with environmental, wildlife and human health concern. Several studies polycyclic aromatic compounds, have been reported (Paxéus, 2000;
have been performed in order to understand the chemical processes in a Schwarzbauer et al., 2002; Welander, 1997; Öman and Hynning, 1993).
landfill and identifying potentially environmentally hazardous com- New and emerging groups of compounds such as perfluorinated
pounds in leachates (Paxéus, 2000; Schwarzbauer et al., 2002; Öman compounds (PFCs), are now detectable in most environmental matrix
and Hynning, 1993). In recent decades, the content of wastes in landfills (Schultz et al., 2006; Sinclair and Kannan, 2006; Woldegiorgis et al.,
has changed, mainly as a result of higher demand and better quality of 2006) and in biota (Kannan et al., 2002; Martin et al., 2004).
consumer products. For example, batteries, paints, oils, electrical Particularly, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic
products and pharmaceuticals that are potentially deposited at landfills acid (PFOA) have received attention because of their unique
contain additives that might have a negative impact on environmental chemistry (as both water and oil repellent and reduction of surface
and human health. Flame-retardants, plasticizers, surface-active sub- tension), persistence, bioaccumulation and toxic effects. Thus, PFCs
stances and fragrances are chemicals commonly used to improve certain have a widespread application in a myriad of products, including
properties of consumer products. Previous studies on landfill leachates household cleaning agents, carpets, textiles, paper coatings, cos-
have evaluated parameters such as organic matter, chemical- and metics, fire-fighting foams and packaged-food containers (Hekster et
al., 2003). Presently, few data on landfill leachates have been reported
showing that these may represent a significant source of PFCs (Bossi
⁎ Corresponding author. et al., 2008; Kallenborn et al., 2004; Woldegiorgis et al., 2006; Busch et
E-mail address: Trine.Eggen@bioforsk.no (T. Eggen). al., 2010). Contrary to many persistent organic pollutants with a

0048-9697/$ – see front matter © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.07.049
5148 T. Eggen et al. / Science of the Total Environment 408 (2010) 5147–5157

medium to high hydrophobicity, many PFCs are mainly found in the active, W-50 and W-100) for non-target screening was sampled with
water phase (Schultz et al., 2006; Woldegiorgis et al., 2006), and the use of a peristaltic pump with Teflon tubing. The samples were
efficient removal of these compounds becomes a challenging task pumped into autoclaved acidified (10 mL 3 M H2SO4) N2-purged 1-liter
during leachate treatment. Many municipal landfills discharge glass flasks. Leachates from landfills B, C and W-inlet at landfill A, were
directly into waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) without sampled directly into pre-prepared 1 L sampling bottles. Non-target
treatment, resulting to environmental spreading of PFCs, polar and screening samples and quantitative PPCP analysis were sampled in glass
persistent emerging compounds such as N,N-diethyl toluamide bottles while samples for quantitative PFC analysis was sampled into
(DEET), alkylphosphates, pharmaceuticals and personal care products methanol washed PE quality plastic bottles. The flasks were filled
(PPCPs). completely and stored in dark conditions, at 4 °C until analysis.
Recently, a wide range of PPCPs has been detected in the Information on the landfills is summarized in Table 1.
environment (Kolpin et al., 2002; Rimkus, 1999). Domestic pathway
through municipal sewage treatment plants (STPs) has been 2.2. Non-target screening and target analysis of selected emerging
recognized as the main route of human pharmaceutical substances compounds
into the aquatic environment (Ternes, 1998). Polycyclic musk
substances are active ingredients in cosmetics and household Qualitative screening for organic compounds were performed only
products that are used worldwide in large quantities and subse- with leachates from landfills A, B and C. Sample preparation by solid
quently ending up in landfills (Salvito, 2005). For example, 1,3,4,6,7,8- phase extraction (SPE) was performed essentially as previously
hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-γ-2-benzopyran described by Braun et al. (2003). Briefly, 1-L of each water sample
(HHCB or Galaxolide®) and 6-acetyl-1,1,2,4,4,7-hexamethyltetraline was filtered and thereafter Soxhlett-extracted with toluene. From a
(AHTN or Tonalide®) seem to represent the most abundant musk final volume of 500 μL, a 1 μL aliquot was analyzed by GC-MS. The
fragrances in the environment that potentially accumulate in sewage water samples (adjusted to pH 3 and spiked with the internal
sludge (Mogensen et al., 2004). Many of the emerging compounds standard) were extracted by SPE on a mixed sorbent bed (LiChrolut®
with suspected risks to organisms and human health include, the EN and LiChrolut® C18; both from Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) and
insect repellent, DEET (Corbel et al., 2009). Although most of these eluted with acetone. A cleanup on silica gel accomplished the sample
compounds are present at trace levels in the environment, harmful preparation prior GC-MS analysis. A GC-MSD instrument (6890 HP-
effects to the ecosystem and to the food web cannot be excluded. MSD; Agilent Technology, Waldbronn, Germany) equipped with a
Persistent drugs such as carbamazepin, is not effectively removed 30 m HP-5MS capillary (0.25 mm I.D., 0.25 μm film) was used for
from wastewater and may therefore enter, at least, the aquatic analysis. Full scan mode (50–500 amu) was applied for qualitative
environment with unknown implications (Andreozzi et al., 2002; screening (non-target analysis) and selected ion monitoring (SIM)
Isidoria et al., 2005; Zurita et al., 2007). Regulatory consequences on mode for quantification of selected emerging substances. The
the risks associated with the presence of these compounds in the carboxylic drugs were analyzed after derivatization with GC-negative
environment have been the subject of continuous discussion for chemical ionization mass spectrometry in accordance to Möder et al.
decades (Ternes, 2001). (Möder et al., 2007). Quantitative analysis of the PPCPs, were
The aims of the present were, firstly to investigate the levels of performed with samples from landfill A and the limits of quantifica-
emerging organic compounds in untreated landfill leachates using a tion (LOQ) are specified in Table 4.
non-target full scan screening analysis (landfill A, B and C) and
secondly perform quantitative analysis of selected PPCPs (landfill A)
and PFC (landfill B and C). In order to get an overall knowledge about 2.3. Determination of ionic perfluorinated substances and telomers
the distribution patterns and suitable treatment processes for
removing such compounds in untreated leachates, the quantification Quantitative analyses of PFCs in water- and particle phases were
of emerging compounds were performed separately in water- and performed for leachates from landfills B and C, and sediment samples
particle phases. from landfill D. All sampling devices were free of perfluorinated
polymers to avoid cross-contamination. About 2 g of dry sample was
2. Materials and methods spiked with 20 μL internal standard, 13C PFOS and 13C PFOA (0.5 ng/
μL). 1 mL of 200 mM NaOH in methanol was added and soaked for
2.1. Leachate sampling 30 min. Then, 100 μL 2 M HCl in methanol was added followed by
another 9 mL of methanol. The mixture was thoroughly mixed and
Three differently engineered landfills are included in this study. then extracted on a wrist-action-shaker for 30 min. After centrifuga-
Landfill A is located in an abandoned sand/gravel pit without bottom tion (2000 rpm, 5 min), 1 mL of supernatant methanol extract was
liner. The bottom of the old part of the landfill is approximately at the treated with 25 mg ENVI-Carb mixed in 50 μL glacial acetic acid. After
groundwater level and the landfill is further limited to the east and thorough mixing and centrifugation (10,000 rpm, 10 min), 20 μL
north by solid bedrock, granite gneiss. The landfill is limited on the recovery standard, 0.1 ng/μL 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl acetic
Westside by a ridge of massive rock, overlaid by a thin layer of compact acid, and 0.5 mL of 4 mM NH4 OAc in water were added to the final
moraine, sand/gravel and locally marine clay. Leachate from this site extract prior to analyses by the HPLC/MS system (binary pump 1525 μ
enters the groundwater through the sand/gravel aquifer and follows a with a Waters 2777 Sample Manager coupled to a Micromass (Q)-
well-defined path to a concentrated spring located 200 m downstream TOF-MS (QTOF micro)).
before a treatment system containing an aerated lagoon and a wetland
filter. Five leachate samples were collected at and downstream of 2.4. Determination of fluorotelomer alcohols
landfill A; i) a well located just below the old landfill site (W-old), ii) a
well in the lower part of the currently active landfill (W-active), iii and Wet sediment samples were spiked with internal standard, 7:1 FA
iv) wells located 50 (W-50) and 100 (W-100) downstream of the (7:1 fluorinated alcohol, 98% purity) (ABCR Karlsruhe, Germany), and
landfill, respectively, and v) inlet water to the treatment system, taken extracted with ethyl acetate three times for 30 min on a wrist-action
in the pumping house, 200 m downstream of the landfill (W-200) shaker. Centrifugation and cleanup on ENVI-Carb was performed as
(Fig. 1). Both landfills B and C had clay liners and a tubing system for described above, without the addition of glacial acetic acid. Recovery
collecting leachates and a direct discharge of the leachates without standard, 1,2,3,4-tetrachloronaphthalene (1,2,3,4-TCN, 10 μg/mL in
treatment to the municipal wastewater net. Groundwater (W-old, W- isooctane) (Dr.Ehrenstorfer, Augsburg, Germany), was added prior to
T. Eggen et al. / Science of the Total Environment 408 (2010) 5147–5157 5149

Fig. 1. Map of landfill A showing the study wells. W-old = from closed and vegetated part; W-active = from the active part, W-50 and W-100 are approximately 50 and 100 m
downstream, respectively, and W-inlet is inlet to treatment plant.

GC-MS analysis (GC-MS: 7890A GC split/splitless injector coupled to a the leachates (Fig. 2) were obtained. However, their assignment to
5975C MSD, Agilent, Böblingen, Germany). compound classes allowed a qualitative and semi-quantitative overview
of the substances released and transported via the leachates (Fig. 2). A
3. Results and discussion comprehensive list of identified compounds is provided in Table 2.
Identification of chemicals in the landfill and their transport down-
3.1. Non-target screening of organic compounds stream of a sandy aquifer were studied in detail at landfill A (Fig. 1). A
sample from 200 m downstream (or W-inlet) is the influent to the
Organic compounds identified by GC-MS full scan analysis of treatment system. Samples from landfills B and C were untreated
leachates from landfills A, B, and C was classified into substance groups leachates taken at the point of discharge to wastewater treatment
to facilitate interpretation of leachate composition. The non-target drainage. Based on GC peak comparisons in the analyzed samples,
analysis indicated hundreds of compounds per sample and about 80% leachates from landfill B proved to contain the highest level of total
could be classified into substance groups. Thus, qualitative and semi- organic compounds (Fig. 2A). The total organic loads of leachates from
quantitative overviews on the substances released and transported via landfills B and C were approximately 4 and 1.5 times higher than those

Table 1
Summarized information about the investigated landfills.

Landfill App. leachate volume [m3/year] Estimated waste deposited [volume m3] Opened-closed Waste description

A 58,000 Old part: 20,000 1973–1989 Domestic and general industrial waste
Active part: 6000 1985→ Separated residual domestic waste
B 345,000 1 300,000 1974–2006 Domestic and general industrial waste
C 124,300 450,000 1972–2002 Domestic and general industrial waste
5150 T. Eggen et al. / Science of the Total Environment 408 (2010) 5147–5157

Fig. 2. Distribution of organic compound groups identified in leachates from landfill A (investigated in 2002); landfills B and C (analyzed 2006). Results are base on GC peak areas of
the GC-MS full scan analysis. A shows the total content of organic compounds, while B shows relative distribution of compound groups. Alternative 1: For description of samples at
landfill A, please see text for Fig. 1. Alternative 2. W-old = closed and vegetated part; W-active = from the active part; W-50 and W-100 approximately 50 and 100 m downstream,
respectively, and W-inlet is inlet to treatment plant.

from landfill A (W-active), respectively. At landfill A, leachate of the Schwarzbauer et al., 2002; Welander, 1997; Öman and Hynning, 1993),
fresh active part releases about 10-fold more organic substances than and DEHP in the range of 97,000–346,000 ng/L (Paxéus, 2000).
leachate from the old, inactive dump (W-old — Fig. 2A). The amount of Alkylated phosphates, both chlorinated and non-chlorinated, were
organic substances decreased in the wells downstream of the landfill, found in all leachate samples (approx. 2–10% of total organic
although W-100 is at the same level as W-active (Fig. 2A). compounds) and triethylphosphate and tris(chloropropyl)phosphate
In addition to variation in the total content of organic compounds, (TCPP) were detected in all leachates samples, except in the W-active
the composition of pollutant mixtures were different at sites A, B, and C, of landfill A (Table 2). Tri(2-chloro-ethyl)phosphate (TCEP) and TCPP,
and also between samples at landfill A (Fig. 2B). The ratio of PAHs to along with other trialkylphosphates, have been previously reported in
cycloalkanes, alkanes, and iso-alkanes may indicate the degradation landfill leachates (Barnes et al., 2004; Paxéus, 2000; Schwarzbauer et
potential in landfills. The preferred biodegradation sequence between al., 2002). TCEP, TCPP and Tri-iso-butylphosphate have been reported
these groups of compounds has been discussed in many studies in respective ranges of 220–240,000, 4000–50,000 and 110,000–
(Leahy and Colwell, 1990; Prince, 1993). Although not a universal 350,000 ng/L (Barnes et al., 2004; Paxéus, 2000; Schwarzbauer et al.,
pattern, a frequently found degradation pattern is unbranched 2002).
alkanes N branched alkanes N low-molecular-weight aromatics N The insecticides, N,N-diethyl toluamide (DEET), benzothiazole,
cycloalkanes and high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydro- and N-butyl benzenesulfonamide (NBBS), are widely used chemicals
carbons (PAHs). The semi-quantitative pattern of organic substance in industry and household products, thus their occurrence in all
groups in the leachates may be used as a fingerprint in characterizing leachate samples from landfills A, B, and C were in accordance with
landfills with regard to age of waste deposit, type of waste or previous studies that detected these compounds in landfill leachates
biodegradation potential. The highest proportion of alkanes was (Barnes et al., 2004; Paxéus, 2000; Schwarzbauer et al., 2002;
measured in leachates from landfill C and in W-50 at landfill A. In Welander, 1997). The polar properties of these substances with
general, these indicate different sources of waste and probably different respective log Kow values of 2.2, 1.99, and 2.1 (Westerhof et al., 2005),
biodegradation potential in the landfills. The proportion of cyclic or contribute to their spread in aqueous environment (Barnes et al.,
unsaturated hydrocarbons was high in leachates from landfills B and C. 2004; Schwarzbauer et al., 2002; Öman and Hynning, 1993). For
The phthalic acid esters-bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl example, while NBBS is a naturally occurring substance that is used
phthalate (DBP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP) (grouped as benzenedi- commercially as plasticizer in the polymerization of polyamides and
carboxylic acid esters and contributing 5–20%) were detected in at least has previously been shown to be neurotoxic (Strong et al., 1991),
three leachate samples at all landfills (Table 2). Methylated phthalates, DEET is an insect repellent protecting against mosquitoes and whose
used as solvent in perfumes and pesticides, were identified in leachate widespread use is reflected on the frequent detection in leachates at
from active parts of landfill A and landfills B and C. Phthalates has been μg/L concentration level. Bacterial transformation of DEET in test
detected in leachates from landfills in several studies (Paxéus, 2000; cultures has been reported (Rivera-Cancel et al., 2007), but data on its
T. Eggen et al. / Science of the Total Environment 408 (2010) 5147–5157 5151

Table 2
Organic compounds detected in leachates from landfills A, B and C, compared to literature data.

Landfill A Landfill Landfill

W-old W-active W-50 W-100 W-inlet B C Literature

Aliphatic alcohols and ethers Leachates composition of these general groups of


Diethoxy methane + organic compounds (a,b,c,d)
Trimethoxypentane +
Methoxy-isopropoxy propanol +
Methoxyethanol + + +
Dimethyl decalol +
Vinyl-ethyl carbitol + +
Aldehydes and ketons
Cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione +
C3-benzaldehyd +
C5-cyclohexanone + + +
C2-heptadienone + + +
Alkyl dihydrofuranone +
Benzophenone +
Aliphatic acids and esters
Propanic acid + + + +
Dodecanoic acid +
Tetradecanoic acid + + + + + +
Pentadecanoic acid + + + + +
n-Hexadecanoic acid + + + +
Octadecanoic acid + + + +
Trimethyl hexanoic acid + +
Tridecanoic acid + + +
Hexadecanoic acid, ethylester + + + +
Aromatic carboxylic acids and esters
C2-benzoic acid + + + + + +
C3-benzoic acid + + + + +
C3-benzoic acid ethylester + +
C4-benzoic acid +
Bis(tert-butyl) benzoic acid + + + +
Benzoic acid (phenylmethyl + +
ester)
Phenylacetic acid, ethyl ester +
C2-phenylacetic acid +
3,5-bis(iso-butyl)benzoic acid +
tert-Butyl benzoic acid + + +
Iso-propylphenylacetic acid + + + +
p-tert-butyl benzoic acid + +
Methoxy-phenyl-octanyl-propionic +
acid
Phenylpentenoic acid +
Dichloro benzoic acid + + + + (+) +
Methylcinnamic acid +
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons + substituted PAHs
Methyl indane + + +
Methyl tetralene +
Dimethyl tetralene +
Naphthalene + + + + + + +
Methyl naphthalene + + + +
Dimethyl or ethylnaphtalene +
Naphthalene. carbocyclic acid + + +
Acetyl-6-methoxy-naphthalene +
Biphenyl, bis(1-methyl) +
Phenanthrene, tetrahydro- + + +
Phenanthrene, methyl-(methylethyl) + + +
Trimethyl phenanthrene + +
Phenanthrene carboxyl acid +
Antracene, tetrahydro- +
Partially hydrated PAH (mw 258) + + +
Partially hydrated PAH (mw 272) + + +
Partially hydrated PAH (mw 302) + + +
Terpenoids
Camphor + + + +
Terpenic compound + + + + + +
(limonene, pinene)
Phthalic acid esters Phthalates: (a,b,d,e,f). DEHP:97–346 μg/L (a)
Methylphthalate + + +
Dimethyl phthalate +
Diethyl phthalate, + + + + + +
Dibutyl phthalate + + + + +
Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate + + + + + +
(DEHP)
(continued on next page)
5152 T. Eggen et al. / Science of the Total Environment 408 (2010) 5147–5157

Table 2 (continued)
Landfill A Landfill Landfill

W-old W-active W-50 W-100 W-inlet B C Literature

Phosphoric acid derivatives Organophosphates: (a,b,c,e,) TEP: 40–110 μg/L (c),


Ethanol, 2-butoxy-, phosphate + TCPP:4–50 μg/L (a)
Phosphoric acid ester + + +
Chlorinated phosphoric acid ester + + +
Ethyl-phosphoric acid dietylester +
Triethyl phosphate (TEP) + + + + + +
Tris(chloropropyl) phosphate + + + + + +
(TCPP)
Phenolic compounds Leachates composition of these general groups
C2 phenol + + + of organic compounds (a,b,c,d)
C3 phenol + + +
C4 phenol + +
Di-tert-butylphenol (antioxidant) + + + + + +
Di-tert butyl-hydroxylphenyl +
propoinic acid
2(2-OH-phenyl)-2,5 +
cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione
Phenol, 4-chloro-2-methyl- +
Benzene derivatives
C2-benzene + + +
C3-benzene + + + +
C4-benzene + + + + + +
Bis(methylethyl)benzene + + + +
Methoxy-benzeneproponol + + +
Trimethoxy benzene +
Alkanes and cycloalkanes
Alkanes + + + + + + +
Cycloalkanes + + + + + + +
Steroides
Cholestene + + +
Cholestendien + + +
Cholestanone + + +
Megastigmatrienone + + +
Vitamine
Tocopherol + + +
Benzthiazoles Benzathiazole:0.4–2 μg/L (a)
Benzothiazole + + + + +
Benzothiazolone + + + + + (+)
Pesticidecides
Bentazone (herbicide) + + +
N-containing compounds N-containing: (a,c), DEET:5.5–320 μg/L (b,c)
Methylphenyl acetamid
C4 pyridinium derivative
Diethyl toluamide (DEET)
S-containing compounds S-containing: (a,c)
Dimethyl thiophane +
Propyl thiophane +
Thiophene derivative + + +
Di isobutylthiophene +
Thienyl benzoic acid ethyl ester +
Octaatomic sulfur + + + +
Sulfonamides Sulfonamides and NBBS: 0.7–710 μg/L (a,c,d)
Benzensulfonamide +
N-butyl benzenesulfonamide (NBBS) + + + + + +
(N-ethyl-4 methyl) + + +
benzenesulfonamide
Drugs and metabolites Pharmaceuticals: (b,c,g)
Non-steroidal inflammatory drug (+)
Phenylbutazone +
Metabolite of analgetic drug
Propylphenanzone + +
Anti-infective agent
Crotamiton + +

(+) Interferred peak.


mw Molecular weight.
a) Paxéus, 2000, b) Barnes et al., 2004, c) Schwarzbauer et al. 2002; d) Welander 1997, e) Öman and Hynning, 1993, f) Bauer and Herrmann, 1998, g) Holm et al., 1995.

environmental fate are scarce. Biodegradation of alkylated benza- tests have classified this compound as persistent. Considering the
mides and benzenesulfonamides under anaerobic conditions have polarity of TCPP with log Kow 2.59–3.33 (OECD), TCEP with log Kow 1.4
been previously studied showing the absence of DEET degradation (Westerhof et al., 2005), DEET and NBBS (see above), these chemicals
during an 11 months period (Kuhn and Suflita, 1989). NBBS has also are not expected to bioaccumulate in the environment, although their
been measured in landfill leachates at μg/L range (Paxéus, 2000; persistence and high polarity render them potentially readily
Schwarzbauer et al., 2002; Welander, 1997) and standardized OECD transportable through conventional landfill treatment systems.
Table 3
PFCs analysis of untreated leachates, separatly water- and particle phases given in ng/L, from landfills B and C. Ranges and average concentrations in landfill leachates and sediment from treatment systems (given in ng/g d.w.) from other
studies from the litterature is presented.

Units Landfill B Landfill C Landfill data. Field et al. 2005a1 Landfill data Kallenborn Landfill data Landfill data Landfill data
et al. 2008b Bossi et al. 2008c Busch et al. 2010d1 Woldegiorgis et al. 2006e

T. Eggen et al. / Science of the Total Environment 408 (2010) 5147–5157


Water Particle Water Particle Water Particle Sediment Watera2 Sedimenta2 Water Water Water Water

ng/L ng/L ng/L ng/L ng/L ng/L ng/g d.w. ng/L ng/g d.w. ng/L ng/L ng/L ng/L

PFBS b5 b LOD b5 b LOD bLOD-4 b LOD-19.7 0.06–1.522 b 100 b 0.0004 5.64–112 (51.5) n.a. b0.39–1356 (220) b0.5–110 (37.3)
PFHxS 281 0.15 89 0.05 5.6–40.67 0.1–14.6 0.101–0.489 100 0.894–1.1 12.4–143 (77.0) b0.2–3.1 b0.24–178 (22.2) 12–1800 (518)
PFOS 2920 33.9 455 7.28 4.2–24.2 1.0–9.4 0.216–10.02 300 23.6–254 32.8–187 (82.5) b0.5–3.8 (1.1) 0.01–235 (30.9) 32–1500 (555)
PFDcS b 14 b LOD b14 b LOD bLOD-0.03 b LOD-0.03 b LOD b2 0.431–0.6 n.a. n.a. n.a. b1–0.28 (0.07)
PFBA b185 b LOD b 185 b LOD n.a. n.a. n.a. b50 b 0.041–22.0 n.a. n.a. b3.36–2968 (458) b12–30 (7.5)
PFHxA 757 b LOD 590 b LOD bLOD-60.8 b LOD-19.6 0.271–2.718 100 b 0.032–2.6 26.4–697 (228) n.a. b0.37–2509 (234) b7–310 (77.5)
PFHpA 277 b LOD 215 b LOD bLOD-21.4 0.6–7.7 0.04–0.538 b60 b 0.002–2.4 n.a. n.a. b0.12–280 (48.1) b20–260 (197.5)
PFOA 767 4.05 532 2.76 23.2–115.6 5.8–157.2 b LOD-7.862 300 6.4–23.7 92.4–516 (293) b2–5.8 (2.9) b0.40–926 (145) 38–1000 (537)
PFNA 539 b LOD 310 b LOD bLOD-1.1 b LOD-2.7 b LOD-0.562 b 0.002–1.43 4.7–61.5 (34.8) b0.8 b3.63–80.1 (7.29) b18–100 (43.5)
PFDcA b 75 b LOD b75 b LOD n.a. n.a. n.a. b10 0.9–9.07 n.a. b1.6 b0.21–55.1 (5.98) b20–220 (82.5)
PFUnA b 29 b LOD b29 b LOD n.a. n.a. n.a. b20 b 0.001–1.75 n.a. b2.2 b0.11–2.98 (0.36) b59
PFDoA b 25 b LOD b25 b LOD n.a. n.a. n.a. b10 b 0.0007–1.13 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.
PFOSA b 50 0.33 b50 0.44 bLOD-0.03 b LOD-0.1 b LOD b3 1.1–71.95 bLOD-3.28 (1.17) b0.3 b0.15–14.0 (2.77) b2–7 (2.75)
N-EtFOSA b 15 b LOD b15 b LOD n.a. n.a. n.a. b20 b 0.003–2.1 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.
6:2 FTS 582 b LOD b82 b LOD n.a. n.a. n.a. b20 b 0.018 n.a. n.a. n.a. 19–2000
6:2FTUCA b 80 b LOD b80 b LOD n.a. n.a. n.a. b 100 b 0.001–14.9 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.
f
Sum PFCs 6123 38.43 2191 10.53 62–251 9–227 2.78–23.54 800 381.65 31–12819d2

n.a. = not analyzed, bLOD = values were below the level of detection (LOD) which was recalculated from ng/kg particles to ng/L water sample. For data from other publication these values were not available for recalculation.
a1
A survey performed in Norway 2004. Untreated leachates from six landfills. Samples were filtrated but pore size not given. LOD in the range 0f 0.02–0.1 ng/L in water samples, in the range of 1.8–106.35 pg/g for particles and sediment.
a2
Two supplementary sediment samples and one water sample at landfills same as included in the study of Field et al. 2005. Sampled in 2006.
b
Data from 5 Landfills. Samples filtrated (GFF 142 mm. PALL Life Sciences, NY cat no 61635). Both untreated and treated leachates.
c
Data from two landfills: Samples filtrated, pore size not given.
d1
A study with 22 landfills where both untreated and treated leachates were analyzed. In the table sum PFC of untreated leachates is presented. Samples filtrated b 1.2 μm.
d2
Sum PFC of untreated leachates, n = 4, is presented.
e
Data from 4 landfills. Samples not filtrated. Treated leachates. One untreated leachate sample was analyzed but showed extremely high levels and not included.
f
PFCs analyzed for in our samples which were below LOD: PFPA, PFTrA, N-Me-FOSE, N-Et-FOSE, N-Me-FOSA, 4:2 FTOH, 6:2 FTOH, 8:2 FTOH, 10:2 FTOH, 8:2 FTS, 8:2 FTUCA. FTOH LOD in the range of 0.007–0.099 ng/g.

5153
5154 T. Eggen et al. / Science of the Total Environment 408 (2010) 5147–5157

3.2. Quantitative analysis of compounds from landfill C (sampled at the point of discharge to the wastewater
treatment drainage system), showing sum PFCs in the water- and
Selected PFC and PPCP substances classified as emerging con- particle phases at 6123 and 11 ng/L, respectively. Based on estimated
taminants and predicted to be in leachates were quantified. annual loading of the leachate from the landfill (given as m3/year) and
assuming constant flow load, an approximate calculation of sum PFC
3.2.1. PFC discharge from landfill B is 2.1 kg PFCs/year (5824 mg/day).
The PFC data presented in present study were sampled in 2006. A Over time, deposits of textiles, carpets, and other PFC-containing
presentation and discussion of this data (our data), Norwegian data from products in landfills will decompose and release PFCs. This might be
2004 (Fjeld et al., 2005) and other published data from other countries due to release of residuals of free chemicals not linked to the polymeric
(Busch et al., 2010; Kallenborn et al., 2004; Woldegiorgis et al., 2006) is materials or excision at the polymer linkage releasing compounds such
presented in Table 3 and will be discussed in the proceeding sections. as fluoroalcohols from the fluorinated polymers and surfactants that
The concentrations of PFCs measured in 2006 were generally higher are the dominant commercial and consumer utilized chemicals.
compared to 2004, where the majority of PFCs were found in the water Perfluorinated phosphonic acids are an example of a recently detected
phase. In the 2004 leachates, PFOA was the predominant compound class of PFC that seems to be the precursor for PFCAs (D'eon et al.,
with concentration respective ranges of 23–118 and 5.8–157 ng/L in 2009a; 2009b). Perfluorinated acids such as PFOA, PFNA, PFDcA are
water- and particle phase. Concentrations of PFOS and perfluorohexane used as processing aids in certain polymerizations processes, and
sulfonate (PFHxS) in water- and particle phase were in the same range subsequently present in consumer products as un-reacted residual
of 0.1–40.7 ng/L. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and perfluorohepta- materials. The widely used PFOS and other PFOS-based compounds
noic acid (PFHpA) were detected in most samples; PFHpA in water have been phased out and PFBS has been used increasingly as a PFOS
phase: b0.05–21.4 ng/L and particle phase: 0.6–7.7 ng/L and PFHxA in substitute. FTS are surface-active compounds mainly used in fire-
water phase: b0.05–60.8 ng/L and particle phase: b0.05–19.0 ng/L. fighting foams, detergents, or in surface treatment, including house-
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was detected only in a few samples in hold cleaning agents. Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOH) and perfluor-
2004 and highest measured value was 2.7 ng/L. In leachates from ooctane sulfonamide ethanols (PFOSE) that are the end products of
landfills B and C, the concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in the water telomerization or electrochemical fluorination, respectively, are used
phase were in the respective range of 590–757 ng/L and 455–2920 ng/L, in the synthesis of various fluorosurfactants. The presence of these
and showed a shift in higher concentration of PFOS than PFOA. A similar compounds in the environment may result from the release of
trend was observed in the particle phase, showing a respective 2–4 and residuals of free chemicals not linked to the polymeric material or
7–34 ng/L for PFOA and PFOS. The PFOS/PFOA ratio in 2006 leachate excision at the polymer linkage releasing the fluorinated alcohol from
samples was in the range of 0.9–8.4 versus 0.05–0.4 for 2004 samples. the perfluoropolymer. FTOH has been extracted from textiles (SFT,
PFNA was detected in all water phase samples in the range of 30– 2006a) and from different fluorinated materials from industrially
539 ng/L in 2006. Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) and perfluor- applied to consumer products (Dinglasan-Panlilio and Mabury, 2006).
butane sulfate (PFBS) were also analyzed, and were only detected in few Our samples from 2006 were analyzed for FTOHs that were detected in
samples and at low concentrations (maximal values 3 and 20 ng/L, neither leachates nor sediment samples. However, a relatively high
respectively). The 2006 analysis included PFCs that were not analyzed in distribution coefficient for 8:2 FTOH (Liu and Lee, 2005), estimated log
2004 such as perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDcA), perfluoroundecanic acid KDOC of 5.30 ± 0.29, indicates a potential for dissolved organic carbon
(PFUnA), perfluorododecanic acid (PFDoA), alkyl fluorooctansulfon (DOC)-facilitated transport, and the DOC levels might thus be high in
alcohols, telomer alcohols and fluortelomer sulfonates. Of these PFCs, many landfills. PFCAs up to PFDcA have been detected in the water
only 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonates (FTS) was detected in water phase at phase, while PFDcA, PFUnA, PFDoA and perfluorotridecanic acid
582 ng/L, in leachates from landfill B. (PFTrA) have been detected in sludge (Bossi et al., 2008; Higgins et
Some PFCs (combined water- and particle phase) in untreated al., 2005; Schultz et al., 2006).
leachates from Norwegian landfills was in the range of 65–360 ng/L Aerobic transformation of 8:2 FTOH in activated sludge and mixed
(average 167 ng/L) in 2004 and in the range of 187–6134 ng/L (average bacteria culture has been demonstrated (Dinglasan et al., 2004; Wang et
3085 ng/L) in 2006. For example, in a recent study by Busch et al. (2010), al., 2005) and metabolites commonly found are 8:2 FTCA, 8:2 FTUCA and
the sum PFC was in the range of 31–12,819 ng/L (average 5777 ng/L) in PFOA. The sediment sample from landfill E, one of the biggest landfills in
untreated leachates, 15–129 ng/L (average 42 ng/L) in reverse osmosis Norway with an estimated waste deposit in 2006 of 6,500,000 m3,
treated leachates, 9–4079 ng/L (average 723 ng/L) in active carbon- had especially high concentrations of long-chained PFCAs and PFOSA.
treated leachates (n = 8), 621 and 1257 ng/L (n = 2) in nanofiltrated The high part of these compounds might be due to a combination of
leachates, 1992 and 4610 ng/L in wet air oxidation treated leachates, their properties with higher solid–water distribution coefficient (Kd)
and 4023 and 8059 ng/L in biologically treated leachates. When these (Higgins and Luthy, 2006), and therefore higher potential for precip-
values are compared for individual PFCs, our data presented in Table 3 itation in sedimentation treatment steps, and formation from precursors
and from other reports, there is a relatively similar pattern of over long time deposit in the sediments. The recent result by Busch et al.
occurrence. In addition, the higher concentration of the low-chain (2010) showing higher PFC levels in leachates after wet air oxidation
compounds PFBS and PFBA, long-chain perfluorinated acids (PFNA to and biological treatment, strengthens this theory. Interestingly, PFBS
PFUnA) and PFOSA in the study by Busch et al. (2010), compared to that was detected in only a few leachate samples and in low
other studies. This might be related to the dominance of treated concentrations (maximal value 20 ng/L) in data presented in our report
leachates in their data set, which might change the distribution of PFCs. were measured in most sediments, and at relatively high concentra-
Compounds not observed or seldom found in leachates (PFBS, tions. PFBS has been reported in an average concentration of 37.3
PFBA, long-chained PFCs, PFOSA, 2-N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfona- (Woldegiorgis et al., 2006), 51.5 (Kallenborn et al., 2004), 220 ng/L
mid (N-EtFOSA), 6:2 fluortelomer-unsaturated carboxylic acid (6:2 (Busch et al., 2010) and not detected by others (3M, 2001; Bossi et al.,
FTUCA)) were detected at relatively high concentrations in some 2008). Even so, an examination of their potential as sources for the
sediment samples (PFOSA 72 ng/g d.w., PFBA 22 ng/g d.w. and PFDcA PFCAs that are readily observed in WWTP, sludge, and landfill leachate,
9.07 ng/g dry weight (dw)) in the present. In suspended particulate needs to be explored.
matter in river samples, PFOSA and PFOA showed the highest
concentration in a study by Ahrens et al. (2009). The concentration 3.2.2. PPCPs
of total PFCs ranged from 1.3 to 382 ng/g dw in sediments (average Toxicological studies have provided evidence that the environ-
60.6 ng/g dw). The highest total PFC load was measured in leachates mental presence of highly bioactive drug residues may produce
T. Eggen et al. / Science of the Total Environment 408 (2010) 5147–5157 5155

harmful effects to biota even at low concentration (Daughton and L in the water phase, and with decreasing concentration downstream
Ternes, 1999; Henschel et al., 1997; Isidoria et al., 2005; Zurita et al., of the landfill. Owing to their more hydrophobic properties (HHCB log
2007). Particularly, a cocktail of drugs, endocrine active compounds, Kow 5.9, AHTN log Kow 5.7) (Balk and Ford, 1999)), these polycyclic
and “classical” pollutants such as phenols, pesticides, halogenated, musk substances are adsorbed on surfaces of suspended matter and
and aromatic compounds might constitute increased risks for ecosys- detected in both the water- and particle phases. The particle-bounded
tems. For instance, the stability of biofilms is inferred by e.g. amount of musk, presented as the sum of AHTN and HHCB, at W-active
carbamazepin a neuroleptic drug frequently applied worldwide and 200 m downstream (W-inlet) of landfill A were 9.6 and 17.9 ng/L,
(Lawrence et al., 2005). The pharmaceuticals, paracetamol, phenazone, respectively. The corresponding water phase contribution was 6.5 and
and gemfibrozil were not detected in any of the samples in the present 3 ng/L, respectively, indicating transportion via both water- and
study, while the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), particle phases through the sandy aquifer of the landfill. The
ibuprofen, was detected in all samples from landfill A (Table 4). The particle-bound musk contribution in leachates from landfill B, taken
highest ibuprofen concentration of 166,624 ng/L, was measured in at the discharge of the WWTP drainage system, was 27 ng/L. The
leachate from the inactive part (W-old) of landfill A, decreasing relatively lipophilic HHCB has been observed in the range of 43–
downstream to 96.9 ng/L at W-inlet. The finding of high ibuprofen 63 mg/kg dw sewage sludge in previous studies focusing on the
concentrations in the landfills is not surprising, since ibuprofen is among environmental fate of musk compounds (Carballa et al., 2007)
the top ten non-prescription pharmaceuticals according to sales report
(http://www.legemiddelforbruk.no/) and also among the ten most 3.3. Non-emerging compounds identified in the full scan analysis
commonly prescribed drugs in Norway (Rønning et al., 2008), and
might therefore be explained by previous deposition of wastes Generally, phenols and alkylated benzenes were the dominating
containing unused drugs from both hospitals and households. Ibuprofen compounds detected in the leachates (approximately 25–40% of the
concentrations at μg/L have been reported even in groundwater wells total detected compounds). The use of phenolic compounds is
(Heberer et al., 1998), illustrating the remarkable passage of this acidic widespread in industrial products, such as plastic softeners, lacquers,
drug (log Kow 2.2) through soil. Due to its polar properties, ibuprofen is paints and as antioxidants in fuels and oil. Furthermore, non-
rarely adsorbed, it was neither detected in sediment from leachate halogenated short-alkyl chain phenols and carboxylated phenols are
treatment systems (SFT, 2006b), nor in the particle phase of samples also typical breakdown products of (poly)aromatic substances
from the present study. In a previous study, it was demonstrated that (Cajthaml et al., 2006) and of natural polymers like polyphenols and
sedimentation processes alone will not efficiently eliminate ibuprofen lignin. The alkylated phenols, di-tert-butylphenols, nonylphenol (NP)
from wastewater (Carballa et al., 2007). Naproxen, another NSAID, was and bisphenol-A (BPA), as well as C4-benzenes were detected in all
measured in the leachate from the W-active of landfill A at a leachate samples (Table 3). Due to a natural potential of many
concentration of 282 ng/L. Compared to ibuprofen, the lower concen- microbes to degrade and metabolize phenols, this group of pollutants
tration level of naproxen probably reflects a lower deposition volume disappear fairly rapidly from the environment. Thus, risks related with
and/or a faster degradation with shorter half-life (9–14 days) compared the presence of various phenolic compounds can be reduced by
to ibuprofen (32 days) (Araujo et al., 2009; Tixier et al., 2003). stimulating microbial activity in the leachate environment.
The neuroleptic drug carbamazepine applied as an anti-epileptic The majority of compounds previously identified in municipal
drug and anti-depressive was measured at trace concentration of 8.6 ng/ landfill leachate, such as terpenoids, aromatic acids, phenols, aliphatic
L in W-active of landfill A and at W-inlet at 0.8 μg/L. Despite these trace acids, aliphatic alcohols, esters, ethers, are derived from decomposing
levels, carbamazepine is one of the most distributed drugs in the vegetation and degradation products of natural materials (Reinhard et
environment (Clara et al., 2004; McClellan and Halden, 2010; Zhang et al., 1984; Schwarzbauer et al., 2002). Terpenoids commonly found in
al., 2008). Due to its persistence and semi-polar properties, carbama- leachates are camphor, α-terpineol, fenchone, limonene, and pinene
zepine can reach groundwater and has been detected in drinking water compounds (Schwarzbauer et al., 2002; Slack et al., 2005; Welander,
(Donn et al., 2008). 1997). In the present study and based on semi-quantitative evaluation —
In landfill A leachates, the concentrations of both polycyclic musk camphor, limonene, and pinene were detected in the μg/L range in most
compounds AHTN and HHCB are summarized (Table 4) and discussed leachates. These compounds are widely used odorants, technically
together as a marker for the group of musk compounds used in various manufactured or released during plant degradation. Camphor for
household products and cosmetics. The occurrence of polycyclic musk instance, is also used as plasticizer in the manufacture of cellulose
compounds was comparable to ibuprofen, with the highest concen- nitrate film. Many of these compounds tend to decompose in the
tration in leachates from the W-old of the landfill showing 482,000 ng/ leachate during migration (Leenheer et al., 2003; Reinhard et al., 1984;

Table 4
Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) investigated in water- and particle phases at landfill A and in particle phase at landfill B. Data is given as concentration in ng/L for
water- and particle phase.

Landfill A Landfill B Literature data

Water phase Particle phase Particle phase


Discharge
W-old W-active W-50 W-100 Discharge W-active W-inlet

Ibuprofen 166,624 1067 1884 6888 69.9 b0.1 b 0.1 b 0.1 610, 200 (Schwarzbauer et al., 2002; SFT, 2006b;
Heberer et al., 1998)
Paracetamol b2 b2 b2 b2 96.9 b2 b2 b2
Phenazon b3 b3 b3 b3 b3 b3 b3 b3 b 10–1250 (Heberer et al., 1998)
Gemfibrozil b 0.1 b0.1 b0.1 b 0.1 b 0.1 b0.1 b 0.1 b 0.1 190–340 (Heberer, 2002)
Naproxen b 0.3 282.0 b0.3 b 0.3 b 0.3 b0.3 b 0.3 b 0.3 520 (Daughton and Ternes, 1999)
Carbamacepin b2 8.6 b2 b2 0.8 b2 b2 b2 1000–6300 (Kosjek et al., 2009)
AHTN + HHCB 481,906 6.5 5.3 44.2 2.9 9.6 17.9 26.8 4300–63,000 μg/kg d.w. sludge
(Kupper et al., 2004; Mogensen et al., 2004)

b LOQ: below limit of quantification, LOQ for HHCB and AHTN is 2 ng/L.
5156 T. Eggen et al. / Science of the Total Environment 408 (2010) 5147–5157

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