Grantee Research Project Results
Comprehensive evaluation of fate, transport, bioaccumulation and management solution of PFAS on a crop and livestock farm that received biosolids
EPA Grant Number: R840956Title: Comprehensive evaluation of fate, transport, bioaccumulation and management solution of PFAS on a crop and livestock farm that received biosolids
Investigators: Li, Hui , Bradford, Barry , Jaborek, Jerod , Johnson, Jennifer , Jones, Arthur Daniel , Moran, James , Murphy, Cheryl A. , Qiu, Tian , Steinke, Kurt , Wessel, Barret , Zhang, Wei
Institution: Michigan State University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2027
Project Amount: $1,600,000
RFA: Research for Understanding PFAS Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Plant and Animals in Agricultural, Rural, and Tribal Communities Request for Applications (RFA) (2024) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: PFAS Detection , Urban Air Toxics , Watersheds , Endocrine Disruptors , Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil/Water , Environmental Justice , PFAS Treatment
Objective:
The project aims to (1) comprehensively evaluate the fate, transport, plant uptake, bioaccumulation in livestock, and life cycle of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their precursors during the farming practices on a crop-livestock farm that received land application of PFAS-contaminated biosolids, (2) conduct field studies with advanced mass spectrometric technologies to reveal and quantify PFAS and precursor transport and bioaccumulation in the cycles of manure, soil, water, crops, and livestock within the farm, (3) assess farm management procedures to mitigate PFAS accumulation in cattle, and (4) communicate the research results through education and extension activities.
Approach:
The objectives will be achieved by directly engaging the PFAS- impacted Grostic Farm at Brighton, Michigan through the tasks to (1) determine the relationship between PFAS distribution and soil properties based on a detailed soil survey, (2) measure and rank PFAS bioaccumulation in a variety of field crops, vegetables, and livestock forages on the farm, (3) elucidate environmental fate, transport, and plant uptake of PFAS at the nexus of soil, water, and crops on the PFAS-impacted farm, (4) measure PFAS bioaccumulation in cattle and evaluate the management solutions to enhance the depuration rate, (5) develop high-throughput protocols to screen and map the PFAS and precursors accumulated in soil, plants, and animal organs, and (6) engage the PFAS-impacted farm with state agencies and agricultural communities, and communicate research results through education and extension activities.
Expected Results:
Results of this project will produce new scientific data and improve our basic knowledge on PFAS and precursor fate, plant uptake, bioaccumulation in livestock, cycling processes in typical Midwest crop-livestock farms. The results will be translated to management practices to mitigate PFAS accumulation in livestock. High-throughput protocols aided by advanced mass spectrometry will be developed to screen PFAS-contaminated soil, plant, and animal samples. The overall result from this project will provide an exemplary model to elucidate the life cycle of PFAS in agricultural farming settings. The research results will be organized into reports and peer-reviewed publications that will be widely disseminated via websites, project reports, journal articles, workshop/conference presentations, extension bulletins and outreach education materials.
Supplemental Keywords:
PFAS Precursors, Plant Uptake, Bioconcentration, Food Safety, Environmental Exposure, PFAS Screening, Agricultural Farm, Public Education, Human HealthProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.