Faculty Mentor
Dr. Jianzhou He
Faculty Mentor Email Address
jhe@georgiasouthern.edu
PFAS Contamination in Soils from Distinct Waste Disposal Practices: Comparative Case Study of Ibiasoegbe, Nigeria and Statesboro, USA
Location
Russell Union Room 2075
Type of Research
On-going
I am a... (Select all that apply)
Honors College Scholar (Mark only if you are giving your senior oral presentation), COUR Scholar (COSM), Vertically Integrated Projects
Session Format
Oral Presentation
Select Your Campus
Statesboro Campus
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics
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 will investigate the impact of waste disposal methods, specifically open burning and landfilling, on the contamination levels of PFAS in rural soil. Soil samples will be 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 will be extracted and measured following EPA method 1633 using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) technique. Results will be analyzed to determine correlations between disposal methods and contamination levels. The research findings are expected to reveal key insights into the global environmental health disparities influenced by waste disposal practices and infrastructure, with implications for public policy and environmental justice.
Program Description
.
Author Rights: Apply an Embargo
1-27-2026
Presentation Type and Release Option
Event
Start Date
4-23-2026 9:45 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
Recommended Citation
Ezeanii, Kendra O., "PFAS Contamination in Soils from Distinct Waste Disposal Practices: Comparative Case Study of Ibiasoegbe, Nigeria and Statesboro, USA" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 8.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/8
PFAS Contamination in Soils from Distinct Waste Disposal Practices: Comparative Case Study of Ibiasoegbe, Nigeria and Statesboro, USA
Russell Union Room 2075
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 will investigate the impact of waste disposal methods, specifically open burning and landfilling, on the contamination levels of PFAS in rural soil. Soil samples will be 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 will be extracted and measured following EPA method 1633 using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) technique. Results will be analyzed to determine correlations between disposal methods and contamination levels. The research findings are expected to reveal key insights into the global environmental health disparities influenced by waste disposal practices and infrastructure, with implications for public policy and environmental justice.
