FAU Researcher Spotlighted on Recyclist Podcast for Work on  Mysterious “Black Goo” in Landfills

Dr. Yalan Liu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatics Engineering at Florida Atlantic University, was recently featured on the Recyclist Podcast to discuss her research into one of the most perplexing emerging issues in landfill management: the mysterious “Black Goo.”

During the interview, Dr. Liu shared insights from her ongoing project, “Emerging Challenges in Leachate Management at Florida Landfills: Addressing the Mysterious Black Goo,” a collaboration between FAU and the University of Central Florida, funded by the Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. This research addresses the increasing occurrence of sticky, clog-forming material—referred to as Black Goo—in leachate and gas collection systems across Florida’s landfills.

On the podcast, Dr. Liu discussed her team’s efforts to conduct a statewide landfill survey, analyze chemical compositions of leachate and Black Goo samples, and develop practical guidance for operators facing this issue. She also spoke about the broader implications for solid waste infrastructure, regulatory preparedness, and the need for proactive, science-based solutions. 

Listen to the full episode of the Recyclist Podcast here
Follow the progress of this project here