Determination of Selected Pharmaceutical Compounds and their Fate in Modern Lined Landfills. 

Project Description:  

Many sources now recommend refuse disposal of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) due to a lack of alternative disposal options and the newly exposed dangers of sewer disposal (MDEQ, 2004).  The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is currently preparing to recommend PPCP disposal in landfills rather than the sewer system (Price, 2005). This will result in greater amounts of pharmaceuticals than previously projected entering landfills.  Ever expanding research concerning pharmaceuticals in the environment is resulting in a call to collect unused medications.  Much like electronic devices in the late 1990's, in the coming years solid waste managers may be asking "What is your pharmaceutical diversion plan?"  This research will provide information necessary in formulating strategies for future pharmaceutical waste management.
 
This research is based upon the hypothesis that modern, engineered landfills can provide an environmentally friendly disposal method for discarded pharmaceuticals.  The research objectives are: 1)  To determine if landfills are a significant source of pharmaceuticals to the environment.   2)  To evaluate the viability of utilizing engineered, lined landfills for the cost-effective, environmentally-sound disposal of pharmaceuticals: Evaluation of the fate of selected pharmaceuticals under anaerobic and aerobic landfill stabilization.

General Public Project Description -- coming soon

Investigators
Timothy Townsend
Principal Investigator

Stephen Musson
PhD Candidate

Project Sponsored by:
Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management