Honors College Theses

Publication Date

2026

Major

Biology (B.S.B.)

Release Option

Archived

Faculty Mentor

Jianzhou He

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in industrial and consumer products for their resistance to heat, oil, and water. However, they have been associated with serious health effects, including hormonal disruption, immunosuppression, and cancer. PFAS are released to the environment through municipal solid wastes. While landfilling and open burning are common waste disposal methods in rural areas, few studies have compared their impact on PFAS contamination, especially in underrepresented communities. This study investigates the impact of waste disposal methods, specifically open burning and landfilling, on the contamination levels of PFAS in rural soil. Soil samples were collected from Ibiasoegbe, Imo State, Nigeria and Statesboro, Georgia, USA during their respective dry or low-rainfall seasons to allow for more consistent environmental comparisons. Soil PFAS were extracted and measured following EPA method 1633 using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) technique. Results indicate that PFAS were detected at both sites, with a greater diversity of compounds present in the landfill-associated soils, including additional long-chain and emerging PFAS. In contrast, the burn site exhibited a more limited PFAS profile primarily composed of short- and mid-chain compounds, with differences in soil properties influencing their distribution and mobility. The research reveals key insights into the global environmental health disparities influenced by waste disposal practices and infrastructure, with implications for public policy and environmental justice.

Thesis Summary

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants associated with adverse health effects and commonly released through municipal solid waste. This study examines how waste disposal methods, specifically open burning and landfilling, influence PFAS contamination in rural soils. Soil samples were collected from Ibiasoegbe, Imo State, Nigeria and Statesboro, Georgia, USA under comparable low-rainfall conditions and analyzed using EPA Method 1633 with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). PFAS were detected at both sites; however, landfill-associated soils exhibited a greater diversity of compounds, including long-chain and emerging PFAS. In contrast, the burn site showed a more limited profile dominated by short- and mid-chain compounds. Differences in soil properties also influenced PFAS distribution and mobility. These findings highlight the role of waste management practices in shaping PFAS contamination and underscore environmental health disparities in rural communities.

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