Solid waste landfill operators in Florida commonly encounter elevated iron concentrations in water samples collected as part of their permitted monitoring plan.  At many sites, groundwater iron concentrations are not only greater than aesthetic-based secondary drinking water standards, but also exceed heath-based target levels.  Furthermore, when high iron groundwater enters a surface water body such as a creek, the result is a “red bloom” that has a direct impact on the health of the surface water ecosystem.  Research is being conducted to evaluate the source and cause of the elevated iron concentrations, to determine how to predict which landfill sites are most prone to issues with elevated iron concentrations, and to develop strategies for prevention or remediation. 

College of Engineering	University of Florida	EES Department