By Andi Anderson
A research team led by Michigan State University (MSU) has received a $400,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to study PFAS contamination in agricultural fields.
The four-year project aims to improve understanding of how these chemicals move through farming systems and identify strategies to reduce their impact on agriculture, the environment, and public health.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they can remain in the environment for long periods. These compounds have been widely used in household and industrial products for decades. Growing concerns about their potential effects on human health, water quality, and agricultural production have increased the need for research and practical solutions.
The project is led by Dr. Subhasis Giri, assistant professor in the MSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. Giri specializes in hydrology and water quality and joined Michigan State University in 2025 through the Agricultural Resiliency Program, a partnership focused on addressing long-term agricultural challenges related to water and extreme weather conditions.
Giri emphasized the importance of the project, saying, “We are very thankful to MDARD for their support of our work on this issue of growing importance. PFAS is a global health threat that requires additional research, particularly within agriculture as it relates to movement through fields and ultimately crop uptake. Our goal is to help affected farmers navigate an increasingly difficult situation while protecting public health and reducing environmental impact.”
The grant is part of a larger $1.9 million initiative supporting research on PFAS and agriculture. The initiative funds several projects focused on improving environmental outcomes, strengthening agricultural resilience, and supporting Michigan’s food production systems.
MDARD Director Tim Boring highlighted the value of the investment, stating, “MDARD is investing in research that will strengthen our ability to protect Michiganders, our land, and our livestock from PFAS and other emerging contaminants. By better understanding how these chemicals move through agriculture systems, we can implement measures to reduce their impact. The grants reflect MDARD’s commitment to investing in proactive science and research to protect Michigan’s food and agriculture sector now and in the future.”
As part of the study, researchers will work with corn and soybean growers whose fields contain PFAS. Soil, water, and plant samples will be collected to measure contamination levels and track how PFAS moves through agricultural systems. The team will also create demonstration plots to examine how contaminants transfer from soil into crops.
Researchers will evaluate farming practices such as cover crops and reduced tillage to determine whether they can help limit PFAS movement within fields. Groundwater and runoff monitoring will also be included to better understand environmental impacts.
The project brings together expertise from multiple institutions. Linda Lee, distinguished professor and PFAS expert in the Department of Agronomy at Purdue University, will assist by analyzing soil, water, and plant tissue samples. Outreach efforts will be led by Faith Cullens-Nobis, MSU Extension educator who works with PFAS-affected farms through the MSU Center for PFAS Research.
The team plans to develop educational resources, including fact sheets, presentations, online materials, and direct farmer engagement programs.
Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Giri said, “It’s becoming more common that farmers are unable to continue growing crops or producing animals due to PFAS contamination of their land. This is a problem that affects health, the environment, food safety and security, and the livelihoods of those who produce food. We’re trying to develop solutions so farmers can get back to farming.”
The research is expected to provide valuable information that can help farmers manage PFAS contamination, protect natural resources, and support the long-term sustainability of agricultural production.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Michigan, Education