Onur G. Apul

Dr. Onur G. Apul is an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Maine and an incoming faculty member at Penn State. He holds a Ph.D. from Clemson University (2014) and bachelor's/master's degrees from Middle East Technical University (Turkey). His research focuses on nanotechnology-driven solutions for water treatment challenges, particularly PFAS and microplastics pollution. He leads the Apul Research Group, which explores advanced oxidation processes, nanomaterials, and nanobubble technologies. Key achievements include developing predictive models for PFAS adsorption, thermal regeneration of activated carbon, and microwave-enhanced remediation.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and Science, Clemson University (2014)
• M.S. in Environmental Engineering, Middle East Technical University (2009)
• B.S. in Environmental Engineering, Middle East Technical University (2006)

Research Interests:

• Nanomaterials for water treatment (graphene, CNTs)
• PFAS remediation and thermal regeneration of adsorbents
• Microplastic pollution dynamics and mitigation
• Nanobubble-enhanced oxygen transfer in aquaculture
• Sustainable engineering solutions for emerging contaminants

Awards:

• 2023 Early Career Research Recognition, Maine College of Engineering and Computing

Lab & Team: The Apul Research Group includes postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates working on projects like PFAS lifecycle analysis, nanobubble applications, and space-based water treatment. Notable collaborations include Yale University, Arizona State University, and Penn State.