Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Geosciences
Date of Award
8-2025
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Ingrid Luffman
Committee Members
Daniel Johnson, Arpita Nandi
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), among other contaminants of emerging concern, have been widely detected in Public Water Systems (PWSs) across the United States. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an assessment of 29 PFAS and lithium in finished water. Concurrently, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is assessing 29 PFAS in raw water. This study analyzed both TDEC and EPA datasets from PWSs in Tennessee. 8 PFAS compounds detected above the EPA Minimum Reporting Limit (MRL) were examined using point pattern analysis, Kernel Density Estimation, and spatial autocorrelation to identify spatial clusters and outliers. The analysis identified PWSs with PFAS concentrations exceeding the MRL. The hotspots analysis results revealed PFAS in Tennessee’s PWSs with concentrations exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), indicating population exposure via drinking water. The findings underscore the urgent need to regulate PFAS in both raw and finished water.
Document Type
Thesis - embargo
Recommended Citation
Abimbola, Olatayo Sunday, "Spatial Analysis of the Impact of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) on Tennessee Public Drinking Water: Insights into Sources and Monitoring Assessments" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4556. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4556
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Anatomy Commons, Applied Statistics Commons, Environmental Chemistry Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Geology Commons, Hydrology Commons, Water Resource Management Commons