Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Spring 4-24-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

May 2026

Department

Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering

College Granting Degree

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department Granting Degree

Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Yalan Liu

Abstract

Black goo (BG) is an emerging clogging material in l with its origin and formation that remain poorly understood. This study investigated BG from gas collection and control systems (GCCS), leachate collection and control systems (LCRS) at municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. Proximate analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning election microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and metal analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) were performed. Results showed that BG is a heterogeneous material containing varying proportions of moisture, organic matter, and mineral phases. The morphology revealed Ca-Fe-Al-Si-rich deposits with agglomerated and plate-like features. While monovalent Na and K remained primarily in the mobile Leachate phase, BG is a compositionally variable organo-mineral clogging material and that metal partitioning, particularly involving Ca and Fe, may play an important role in its formation and persistence.

Available for download on Wednesday, April 28, 2027

Share

COinS