Grantee Research Project Results

Investigating the Effects of Irrigation Water, Compost and Biosolid Qualities on PFAS Uptake by Edible Crops in Urban Gardens and Farms

EPA Grant Number: R840954
Alternative EPA Grant Number: 840954
Title: Investigating the Effects of Irrigation Water, Compost and Biosolid Qualities on PFAS Uptake by Edible Crops in Urban Gardens and Farms
Investigators: Kim, Bojeong , McKenzie, Erica
Institution: Temple University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2027
Project Amount: $800,051
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:

In Philadelphia, food insecurity has generated a strong desire to create community and private gardens within the small green spaces available in the city and support local fresh produce systems. While urban agriculture is different from traditional farming regarding agricultural practices and available resources, there is limited information on per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) uptake and bioaccumulation in crops grown under urban growing conditions and potential risk to the general population. The objective of this study is to examine the baseline of PFAS levels in typical supplies and resources for urban farming and gardening, and examine the bioavailability of PFAS in edible crops. PFAS can be introduced into an urban gardening system from soil, nutrient amendments, or irrigation water and the impact of these sources on crop uptake will be tested using raised beds with (i) composts (home-made vs locally available) and/or (ii) biosolids.

Approach:

The hypotheses to be tested are that these organic nutrient-rich amendments limit PFAS bioavailability. Home-made compost will be created using information obtained from urban growers. To simulate the urban growing conditions, we will use a research site in the Ambler Field Station. Local freshwater resources and rainwater will also be sampled for the baseline PFAS analysis. Three popular crops for urban farming, lettuce, carrots, and soybean plants, will be evaluated in the presence or absence of home-made or locally available composts or biosolids. After plant harvest, edible plant parts and surface soils will be collected and quantitated for PFAS, by using a series of analytical techniques for the PFAS quantification, including targeted and non-targeted analysis with quadrupole time-of-flight analysis, as well as the Total Oxidizable Precursor Assay. Furthermore, other vital plant functions, such as photosynthesis, oxidative stress levels, and seed viability (for soybean plants) will be measured.

Expected Results:

This proposed study will inform us whether the use of compost and/or biosolid is beneficial to urban farming regarding PFAS uptake by crops, and if so, to what extent, factors like the PFAS type, water chemistry, and/or crop species will play a role in biouptake. We will collaborate with (i) the Temple office of sustainability, (ii) Temple community garden networks, (iii) two high schools with school gardens, and (iv) the Philadelphia Horticulture Society. The collaborative efforts will create educational displays, community workshops, and curriculum materials for college and local high school students. The proposed study will fill a research gap in understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in crops grown in the urban environment and help evaluate PFAS risk to the general population posed by urban agricultural activities and fresh produce.

Supplemental Keywords:

PFAS, Urban Agriculture, Crop Uptake, Compost, Biosolids, Irrigation Water

Progress and Final Reports:

2025