Microwave Regeneration of PFAS-Exhausted Granular Activated Carbons

Adsorption by granular activated carbon (GAC) is one of the most common methods for removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water. However, there is a need for GAC regeneration methods that are faster and more energy efficient. This project will investigate the use of microwave (MW) technology as an alternative method of GAC regeneration. Specifically, it will (1) explore the effectiveness of MW heating compared to existing thermal processes, (2) investigate the effects of multi-cycle MW treatment on GAC characteristics and PFAS defluorination, (3) evaluate MW technology for regeneration of GAC samples collected from full-scale treatment systems, and (4) conduct cost and feasibility assessments.