
This study investigates the influence of landfill management practices on the release of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from coastal landfills in Newfoundland, Canada. By comparing PBDE congener profiles in leachate from a modern landfill with advanced treatment systems and a legacy landfill with limited infrastructure, we demonstrate the critical role of modern waste management practices in mitigating PBDE contamination. Both sites showed PBDE contamination, but the legacy landfill exhibited greater variability in congener types and concentrations. BDE-47 emerged as the predominant congener at both sites, with episodic spikes at the legacy landfill reaching 14.39 ng/L, alongside the presence of congeners like BDE-77, BDE-100, and BDE-183. GIS analysis revealed PBDE dispersion into nearby surface waters, posing risks to marine ecosystems. Landfill operator surveys provided insights into operational challenges, including limited e-waste diversion, fire risks from batteries, and inadequate leachate treatment at the legacy site, contributing to its vulnerability. This study underscores the need for proactive PBDE management in coastal landfills. The adoption of modern landfill technologies and enhanced e-waste diversion programs is vital for reducing contamination and protecting marine environments. These findings highlight the importance of sustainable waste management practices in safeguarding coastal ecosystems.
Standardization. Simplification. Waste, HD62, PBDEs, Waste Management, Environmental monitoring, BDE 47, Coastal contamination, Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering, TD1-1066, Landfill leachate
Standardization. Simplification. Waste, HD62, PBDEs, Waste Management, Environmental monitoring, BDE 47, Coastal contamination, Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering, TD1-1066, Landfill leachate
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 4 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
