The goal of this project is to enhance the understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) uptake and accumulation in plants grown in subsurface tile-drained fields irrigated with rural…

The goal of this project is to enhance the understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) uptake and accumulation in plants grown in subsurface tile-drained fields irrigated with rural sewage effluent, explore the physical and molecular mechanisms that govern PFAS uptake and accumulation in plants grown in biosolids-amended soils, and develop innovative and efficient techniques to mitigate PFAS plant uptake, and thereby reduce their entry into the food chain.activities:this project will carry out a series of field and laboratory experiments to (1) monitor and measure PFAS in irrigation water, groundwater, drainage water, soils, and crops and evaluate the potential PFAS contamination and bioaccumulation through sewage effluent irrigation, (2) understand uptake, translocation, accumulation, and transformation of PFAS in a soils-plant system with biosolids amendment, and (3) develop innovative mitigation techniques using unique biochars to prevent PFAS plant uptake from sewage sludge effluent irrigation and biosolids soil amendment. Subrecipient:the university of california - riverside ($300,000) will be responsible for detection of PFAS in biosolids and plant tissues as well as the analysis of potential products using high-resolution MS/MS.outcomes:deliverables include annual and final reports. The result of this project will provide useful and vital information concerning the occurrence of PFAS in tile-drained agricultural fields irrigated with rural sewage effluents. The expected outputs include a comprehensive profile of PFAS in contaminated biosolids, understanding of PFAS plant uptake and accumulation in biosolids-soil-plant systems, and two innovative PFAS mitigation techniques. Direct beneficiaries of this project will be agricultural producers, state and local policy makers and regulators, the general public, human health, and the environment.