Grantee Research Project Results

PFAS in land-applied biosolids in agricultural settings: a mechanistic understanding on fate and mitigation

EPA Grant Number: R840950
Alternative EPA Grant Number: 840950
Title: PFAS in land-applied biosolids in agricultural settings: a mechanistic understanding on fate and mitigation
Investigators: Goel, Ramesh , Zheng, Wei , Zhang, Weilan , Miller, Rhonda , Reeves, Donald M , Bhattacharjee, Ananda
Institution: University of Utah , University of Illinois , The State University of New York at Albany , Western Michigan University , University of South Florida
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2027
Project Amount: $1,598,849
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 overall objective of this project is to understand the treatment processes contributing to per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) partitioning unto biosolids, PFAS accumulation in agricultural soils, and potential mitigation strategies by 1) establishing a relationship of PFAS mass partitioning to biosolids as a function of different treatment configurations; 2) evaluating the effect of different soil management practices (e.g., cover crops, biochar amendment) on the Fate of PFAS in biosolids applied to soil; 3) study the potential of PFAS uptake to plants under plant types, compost, and soil types (amended versus not amended) and, 4) engage stakeholders and community members in knowledge sharing to disseminate and educate study findings related to PFAS in biosolids and agricultural soils. Our proposed objectives will address three primary aspects of PFAS in biosolids, their subsequent accumulation in agricultural soils, and their plant uptake.

Approach:

The experimental approach includes full-scale watsewater treatment plant (WWTP) sampling, field-scale cover crop experiments and plant uptake, lab-scale plant uptake of toxic PFAS, and synthesis of experiments with modified Biochar towards mitigation. We have also included a robust community engagement plan. This project connects six researchers from 6 different institutes, industrial partners, agricultural extension agents, and utilities. The excess sludge (biosolids) generation from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is one of the main drawbacks of WWTPs. The excess sludge is processed at many WWTP facilities to generate biosolids or compost. Unfortunately, the WWTP configurations are ineffective in removing or completely degrading PFAS chemicals, resulting in their release in treated effluent and accumulation in wasted biosolids. One of the standard practices is to apply biosolids (class A or B) or compost at an agronomy rate to soil to supplement agricultural soils with nutrients. This serves as a gateway for PFAS chemicals to get into the agriculture cycle with the potential to get into our food chain.

Expected Results:

The project's expected outcomes will be standard operating procedures for studying PFAS fate in agricultural soils and plants, the relationship between WWTP processes and PFAS partitioning into biosolids, potential mitigation strategy, and educational outreach through workshops and surveys. This project will provide ecosystem services by studying the fate of PFAS compounds in soil matrix.

Supplemental Keywords:

Biosolids, nutrient removal, PFAS, adsorption, partitioning, modified biochar, cover crops

Progress and Final Reports:

Final