By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University (MSU) scientists have been awarded over $1 million each in grants to address the growing concern of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in agricultural operations.
These grants aim to improve understanding of how PFAS chemicals affect crops and livestock, with the goal of finding practical solutions to minimize their impact on farms.
One grant, $1.6 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), supports research on how PFAS chemicals are absorbed and distributed in agricultural environments.
The other, a $1.75 million grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), focuses on PFAS accumulation in plants and animals.
PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," are widely used in industrial products due to their resistance to heat and water. However, their persistence in the environment has raised concerns about their health effects on humans and animals.
These chemicals can enter farms through contaminated biosolids and water, making it essential to understand their movement within farms.
The research teams, comprising MSU experts from various disciplines, will partner with a farm affected by PFAS contamination.
Their work will involve soil surveys, measuring PFAS accumulation in crops and livestock, and exploring management strategies to reduce contamination.
By gathering this data, the researchers hope to identify which PFAS chemicals are most likely to transfer from soil to crops and animals, and to develop guidelines for farmers to mitigate exposure.
The findings will be shared with the agricultural community through MSU Extension programs.
This project builds on previous research and funding to address PFAS contamination and represents a critical step toward finding long-term solutions for affected farms.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education