# Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing Analysis for Removing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Landfill Leachate with Foam Fractionation Technology

## TL;DR

This study evaluates the environmental and economic impacts of using foam fractionation to remove PFAS from landfill leachate.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a parametrized life cycle assessment and costing analysis for foam fractionation systems treating PFAS.

## Key findings

- One-stage FF systems with 1% foam fraction had a global warming potential of 357 kg CO2 eq per 1000 m³ treated.
- Life cycle costs for one-stage and three-stage systems were $77.4 and $110.6 per 1000 m³, respectively.
- Sensitivity analyses showed operational parameters significantly affect environmental and economic outcomes.

## Abstract

Understanding the
environmental impacts and economic costs of treatment
technologies is essential for developing sustainable strategies for
managing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). This study focuses
on the treatment of PFAS-contaminated landfill leachate using foam
fractionation (FF) technology. A parametrized life cycle assessment
and life cycle costing analysis were conducted to evaluate the performance
of one-stage and three-stage FF systems. Full-scale operational data
and EPA design models were used to assess environmental and economic
impacts based on a functional unit of treating 1000 m3 of
PFAS-contaminated landfill leachate. The global warming potential
was estimated at 818 kg CO2 eq for the one-stage system
with 20% foam fraction, 357 kg CO2 eq for the one-stage
system with 1% foam fraction, and 402 kg CO2 eq for the
three-stage system with 1% foam fraction. Life cycle costs were estimated
at $77.4 and $110.6 per functional unit for the one-stage and three-stage
systems, respectively, using the net present value method. Sensitivity
and scale-up analyses were also performed to evaluate the influence
of operational parameters and system configurations on both environmental
and economic outcomes.