Non-PFAS-Based Magnetic Polymer Sorbents for Efficient Removal of Perfluorinated Compounds from Landfill Leachate

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are carcinogenic and environmentally persistent contaminants, necessitating their efficient removal to protect environmental and human health. In this study, a series of fluorinated, non-PFAS-based magnetic polymer sorbents is developed for the selective removal of multiple PFAS from landfill leachate containing high levels of co-contaminants. Crosslinked polymer networks are shown to enhance both magnetic separation and PFAS sorption performance. The magnetic sorbent with a higher proportion of quaternary ammonium groups and a lower proportion of fluorinated segments shows improved sorption kinetics for most PFAS and greater sorption capacity for p..