College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Term of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Name

Master of Science, Civil Engineering

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Department of Civil Engineering and Construction

Committee Chair

Lewis Rowles

Committee Member 1

Francisco Cubas

Committee Member 2

Nirupam Aich

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose an unprecedented challenge for US drinking water systems as new national regulations mandate their removal. While granular activated carbon (GAC) and ion exchange (IX) resins are widely applied, their economic and environmental sustainability under diverse real-world conditions remains uncertain. This work leverages a quantitative sustainable design framework (integrated techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment) to evaluate GAC and IX performance across utilities nationwide. Through uncertainty and sensitivity analyses, this research identifies utility size and PFAS chain length as the dominant drivers of cost and environmental impacts. IX consistently shows lower global warming potential than GAC, though treatment of short-chain PFAS significantly increases costs. Results highlight disproportionate burdens on small and rural systems and the trade-offs inherent in technology selection. This work provides actionable insight for utilities and policymakers, enabling more equitable and sustainable strategies for meeting emerging PFAS standards.

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

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Available for download on Thursday, April 15, 2027

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