Year
2026
Season
Spring
Paper Type
Master's Thesis
College
College of Computing, Engineering & Construction
Degree Name
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)
Department
Engineering
NACO controlled Corporate Body
University of North Florida. School of Engineering
Committee Chairperson
Dr. Florentino De La Cruz
Second Advisor
Dr. John Nuszkowski
Rights Statement
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Third Advisor
Dr. Benjamin Williams
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that require effective treatment strategies to reduce their environmental and health impacts. This study investigates the thermal decomposition behavior of volatile PFAS under gas-phase conditions using a laboratory-scale plug flow reactor while also evaluating landfill gas valorization through carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture. An integrated analytical approach combining thermal desorption gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (TD–GC–MS/MS), ion-selective electrode (ISE) analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was developed to quantify parent compounds, transformation products, and inorganic fluoride. Results demonstrated strong temperature dependence of PFAS degradation and fluorine conversion. No measurable hydrogen fluoride (HF) formation was observed at 400 °C, indicating negligible mineralization under these conditions. Mineralization increased with temperature, reaching 30% at 900 °C, 59% at 1100 °C, and 87% at 1300 °C, while near-complete fluorine recovery (~100%) was achieved at 1400 °C. These findings confirm that effective PFAS mineralization requires elevated temperatures substantially above those used in conventional landfill gas treatment systems. Complementary NMR analysis confirmed the dominance of inorganic fluoride at high temperatures. Additionally, carbon capture performance was evaluated using both a metal–organic framework (MUF-16) and combustion-derived fly ash. MUF-16 demonstrated selective adsorption of CO₂ over CH₄, while fly ash exhibited measurable CO₂ uptake accompanied by structural changes in the material. Overall, this work provides a comprehensive analytical and experimental framework for understanding PFAS thermal destruction and landfill gas valorization, demonstrating integrated opportunities for simultaneous PFAS contaminant reduction and carbon capture.
Suggested Citation
Mbando, Happiness S., "Valorization of landfill gas through Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contaminant reduction and carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture: Bench-scale reactor mineralization studies" (2026). UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 1427.
https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/etd/1427
Accessibility Statement
This item was created or digitized before April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy material created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the Library provides accessible versions of archival materials by request. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing the information on the site due to a disability, please submit a request through the following form for assistance.