Communities across the united states rely on land application of biosolids as a cost?effective way to recycle nutrients, support crop production, and reduce landfilling

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded the University of Wisconsin System (University of Wisconsin–Green Bay) $750,000 on September 1, 2026, under the Capacity Building for Non-Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture program (CFDA 10.326) to evaluate practical soil treatment approaches that use biochar to bind PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and prevent movement into groundwater and crops.

The project addresses contamination risks from land application of biosolids, a cost-effective nutrient recycling practice that communities rely on for crop production and landfill diversion. The recipient will conduct controlled laboratory experiments and real-world field trials to measure how different biochar materials reduce PFAS mobility in soil. Researchers will work with extension specialists and stakeholders to translate results into usable guidance for farmers and wastewater utilities. The project aims to develop affordable, field-tested solutions that allow continued biosolids reuse while reducing risks to water quality, food systems, and human health, and to provide science-based tools that help communities adapt to emerging PFAS regulations.

Performance occurs in Bellevue, Wisconsin, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029. The assistance type is a Project Grant.

However, growing evidence shows that biosolids may contain PFAS (popularly called forever chemicals) that, if released into the soil environment, can move through soil into groundwater and crops, and eventually into the food chain. This issue extends beyond farmers and wastewater utilities, as PFAS contamination affects drinking water, public health, farm economies, regulatory costs, and trust in effective and efficient waste?reuse practices. To address this challenge, the project will evaluate practical soil treatment approaches that use biochar (a charcoal?like material made from agricultural and wastewater byproducts) to bind PFAS and keep them from moving into water or plants. Researchers will conduct controlled laboratory experiments and real?world field trials to measure how well different biochar materials reduce PFAS movement in soil, while working closely with extension specialists and stakeholders to translate results into usable guidance. The ultimate goal is to develop affordable, field?tested solutions that allow communities to continue benefiting from biosolids reuse while reducing risks to water quality, food systems, and human health. If successful, the project will support safer farming practices, protect drinking water resources, strengthen rural and municipal economies, and provide science?based tools that help communities adapt to emerging PFAS regulations.