MARC NOLAN

The Ohio State University, PhD Environmental Sciences

RUTERRA Group Doctoral Scholar in honor of Joe Frola 2025

Application of Pulsed Wave Ultrasound for the Enhanced Sonochemical Degradation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Landfill Leachate

My research focuses on improving how we clean harmful chemicals – specifically a group called PFAS – from water supplies and landfill leachate. Over time, PFAS have built up in our environment and are now considered serious health concerns because they don’t break down easily and can contaminate drinking water and food supplies. Traditional methods like granular activated carbon and ion exchange can remove PFAS from water through filtration, but they often require further treatment or safe disposal. My project utilizes ultrasound which uses soundwaves to degrade contaminants. This method of treatment allows for use of less chemicals and does not require additional treatment steps. More specifically, I use pulsed wave ultrasound, which sends the soundwave in bursts, to enhance degradation and make it more energy-efficient process. The goal is to figure out how this technology can be scaled up for use in real water treatment plants, or at landfills, making clean water more accessible and reducing environmental contamination. 

Biography

Marc is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program at The Ohio State University doing his research in the Weavers Research Group. He expects to graduate in December 2026. His doctoral research involves utilizing pulsed wave ultrasound for a more efficient and cost-effective means of PFAS degradation. He investigates treatment methods that fully mineralize PFAS in aqueous solutions and landfill leachate. Previously, he obtained his BS and MS degree in Chemistry with a specialization in environmental chemistry from Stony Brook University. His BS and MS research involved extracting cellulose from underutilized materials in application of heavy metal ion remediation from aqueous solution. Marc was sparked to delve into the world of water treatment during the water crisis in Flint and has been striving to leave his mark on the water treatment industry ever since.