Authors:

Heather Murillo

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About Paper:

Landfill leachate is often treated solely as a hazardous waste product, but it contains valuable dissolved materials such as heavy metals and rare earth elements. These compounds have economic and environmental value, especially in the context of resource recovery and reducing the need for new mining activities. However, the chemical behavior of leachate remains poorly characterized. The composition of leachate is influenced by external factors such as rainfall, waste type, and landfill age. How these variables affect redox chemistry and element speciation is still not fully understood. This research focuses on improving our understanding of leachate chemistry with an emphasis on sulfur species. This project investigates the speciation of sulfur compounds to better understand redox potential in landfill systems and evaluates the presence of other inorganic species that may co-occur or interact with sulfur under different conditions. Samples of landfill leachate are being analyzed using ion chromatography to quantify both cationic and anionic inorganic species. Standard calibration curves are used to ensure data accuracy. Multiple samples have been collected across different periods and environmental conditions. While data collection is ongoing, the study will compare sulfur and inorganic ion concentrations across samples and assess trends related to redox-active processes. This includes identifying which forms of sulfur dominate under different conditions and exploring correlations between sulfur speciation and other ions. This research will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of landfill leachate chemistry, inform potential strategies for sulfur and resource recovery, and help guide future efforts to promote sustainable waste management practices. Keywords: Landfill; Leachate; Resource Recovery; Speciation Analysis; Ion Chromatography

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

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No topics listed

Co-authors:

Heather Murillo