Synthesis of a Polymer-Coated Magnetic Activated Carbon-Zeolite Composite and Its Integration into a High-Efficiency MOF-Functionalized Landfill Liner for Simultaneous Removal of Microplastics and PCB 209 from Synthetic Landfill Leachate

ABSTRACT: The persistent contamination of landfill leachate with microplastics (MPs) and hydrophobic organic pollutants such as PCB 209 poses growing threats to environmental and public health, particularly due to their potential migration into groundwater systems. This study presents a multifunctional treatment strategy that combines advanced sorbent synthesis with membrane engineering to address these co-occurring pollutants. A polymer-coated magnetic activated carbon-zeolite (PMACZ) composite was synthesized through sequential chemical activation, magnetization, and surface polymer functionalization, resulting in high surface area, tailored porosity, and diverse functional groups for enhanced adsorption performance. Structural and chemical integrity of the composite was validated using SEM, BET, XRD, and FTIR analyses. The PMACZ was subsequently incorporated into polyethersulfone (PES) membranes functionalized with polydopamine (PDA) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and reinforced with amine-functionalized NH₂-MIL-101(Al) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Analytical evaluations revealed complete rejection of MPs and 99.67% removal of PCB 209 from synthetic landfill leachate, as confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), respectively. This work demonstrates the feasibility of integrating sorptive and selective mechanisms within a high-efficiency, regenerable membrane platform, offering a scalable and sustainable solution for the remediation of complex landfill leachate streams.