Studies on Bisphenol A and its Origins in Leachates from Solid Waste Landfills

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) in leachate and treated water from municipal solid waste landfills and industrial waste landfills were analyzed. In the case of municipal solid waste disposal sites, the level of BPA was < 0.05-4, 960, μg/L in leachate, and < 0.05 19.8, μg/L in treated water, respectively. High concentration of BPA was detected from a co-disposal site of shredded incombustible/large waste and incinerator ash. On the other hand, the level of BPA was < 0.05 -494μg/L in leachate, and < 0.05-55.2μg/L in treated water from industrial waste disposal sites. According to the results of repeated leaching tests on waste samples, BPA was easily and continuously leached from products made of plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the total amount of leached BPA was higher than from products made of polycarbonate. Therefore, when high concentrations were detected, it was estimated that, thought the concentration of BPA contained in leachate varies widely, it continues to leach at a high-level for some time.