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- Thursday, 10 July 2025
Last week (June 30 – July 4, 2025), a scientific article was published in a Q1-ranked journal, Water Process Engineering, by a team from the Faculty of Biology at Sofia University. The study presents research on how plasma treatment of landfill leachate contaminated with PFOA significantly reduces its toxicity. PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) belongs to a group of extremely toxic pollutants known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment.
Q1 journals (Quartile 1) are among the most prestigious and influential in the scientific community. They represent the top 25% of all journals in a given scientific field, according to global indexing databases such as Scopus or Web of Science. This means the Bulgarian team’s research is not only innovative but also recognized internationally at the highest level.
PFAS contamination is a major environmental concern and a priority issue for the European Union. It led to their inclusion in the recently adopted Water Resilience Strategy. PFAS chemicals are known to cause serious health issues, including liver damage, endocrine disruption, reproductive disorders, metabolic diseases, and even cancer.
As part of the Clean&Circle Center of Competence, the scientists used an advanced epifluorescence microscope to assess the leachate’s overall toxicity through fluorescent and digital analysis. The plasma treatment was carried out using a specialized experimental installation acquired through the Center's project.
The development has direct applications for environmental protection and public health. Reducing the toxicity of landfill leachate using plasma technology could pave the way for effective and affordable water purification methods, including treatment of landfill runoff and industrial wastewater.
This innovation is crucial for improving drinking water quality, reducing environmental risks to soils and aquatic ecosystems, and preventing the long-term accumulation of hazardous substances in the food chain. The technology has the potential to become part of hybrid water treatment systems suitable for real-world industrial and municipal settings.
This research marks a significant first step toward the implementation of innovative detoxification modules, forming the basis of sustainable, science-based solutions for water resource management and public health protection.
