Comparative Analysis of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) vs. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) for PFAS Removal in U.S. Groundwater Suppliers: A Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Assessment
Keywords:
PFAS; Advanced Oxidation Processes; Granular Activated Carbon; Groundwater Treatment; Techno-Economic Assessment; Life Cycle Assessment; Environmental Sustainability.Abstract
Background
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a major concern in the U.S. for groundwater quality because they are persistent and not easily treated with conventional methods. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) have been very well studied of the available remediation technologies, yet there is limited complete comparative evaluations.
Objective
This study presents a techno-economic and life cycle assessment approach comparing the technical, economic, environmental and operational performance of AOPs and GAC for the removal of PFAS.
Methods
The survey was a quantitative, cross sectional study that targeted 400 water treatment professionals in the U.S. Data were gathered by means of a structured questionnaire and analysed by descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation, multiple regression, independent samples t-test, ANOVA and Chi-square tests in IBM SPSS Statistics 29.
Results
The measurement model showed a high level of reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.956). The overall regression model was strongest for Technical Performance (β = 0.341) and Environmental Sustainability (β = 0.296), and explained 68.7% of the variance (R² = 0.687, p < 0.001). The overall performance of AOPs was significantly better than that of GAC (t = 4.81, p < 0.001). Demographic factors, such as professional experience and organizational affiliation, also had significant effects on technology preferences.
Conclusion
Overall, AOP showed better performance for PFAS remediation, especially in terms of treatment effectiveness and environmental sustainability. The results indicate the need to use multi-dimensional approaches to decision making that integrate technical, economic, operational and life cycle evaluations to inform sustainable treatment and policy decisions regarding PFAS in U.S. groundwater systems.
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