Waste-indicator and pharmaceutical compounds in landfill-leachate-affected ground water near Elkhart, Indiana, 2000-2002

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2009 Jun;82(6):653-9. doi: 10.1007/s00128-009-9702-z. Epub 2009 Mar 17.

Abstract

Four wells downgradient from a landfill near Elkhart, Indiana were sampled during 2000-2002 to evaluate the presence of waste-indicator and pharmaceutical compounds in landfill-leachate-affected ground water. Compounds detected in leachate-affected ground water included detergent metabolites (p-nonylphenol, nonylphenol monoethoxylate, nonylphenol diethoxylate, and octylphenol monoethoxylate), plasticizers (ethanol-2-butoxy-phosphate and diethylphthalate), a plastic monomer (bisphenol A), disinfectants (1,4-dichlorobenzene and triclosan), an antioxidant (5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole), three fire-retardant compounds (tributylphosphate and tri(2-chloroethyl)phosphate, and tri(dichlorisopropyl)phosphate), and several pharmaceuticals and metabolites (acetaminophen, caffeine, cotinine, 1,7-dimethylxanthine, fluoxetine, and ibuprofen). Acetaminophen, caffeine, and cotinine detections confirm prior indications of pharmaceutical and nicotinate disposal in the landfill.

MeSH terms

  • Hazardous Waste / analysis
  • Indiana
  • Industrial Waste / analysis
  • Medical Waste / analysis
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*
  • Water Supply / analysis*

Substances

  • Hazardous Waste
  • Industrial Waste
  • Medical Waste
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical