Mitigating PFAS Migration in Landfill Environments - The Role of Active Geocomposites

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” pose a growing challenge to environmental management due to their persistence, mobility in water, and potential health impacts. Commonly found in firefighting foams, packaging, and industrial applications, PFAS contamination has been increasingly detected in landfill leachates, surface water, and groundwater, especially near airports and waste disposal sites. Traditional landfill containment systems, primarily relying on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes, are not sufficient to address PFAS migration, particularly when construction defects are present. Recent studies have shown that PFAS can reach underlying aquifers in less than a decade. This paper explores an innovative containment strategy that incorporates active geocomposites, composed of geotextiles and PFAS-targeting anion exchange media, beneath or above geomembrane liners to mitigate the risk of PFAS transport. The geocomposite layer effectively captures short-, and long-chain PFAS, even under low contact time conditions, while also supporting the filtration of other co-contaminants such as VOCs, PAHs, and PCBs. This paper outlines the design criteria, installation methods, and quality control considerations for integrating active geocomposites in landfill systems to enhance long-term containment of PFAS and associated hazardous substances.