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PFAS contamination and agroecosystems

The widespread presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a source of ecological disturbance, economic loss and emotional hardship within agricultural ecosystems. Our group is exploring soil x plant and plant x plant interactions with a focus on the uptake of PFAS into crops, and how contamination may be mitigated by farm management practices. We are conducting a paired greenhouse and field experiment through which we aim to: (a) Compare and contrast greenhouse vs. field approaches in PFAS research; (b) investigate soil-to-plant PFAS transfer among crops with distinguished physiologies; and (c) examine impacts of interspecific plant interactions on contaminant uptake in PFAS-disturbed soils as they relate to management practices and farm viability. We are also engaged in a policy review of Maine’s response to PFAS in agricultural soils, including an analysis of the multi-pronged approach our state is taking to address the complex factors associated with widespread contamination of agricultural soils.

Collaborators: Alexandra Scearce (UMaine), Rachel Schattman (UMaine), Caleb Goossen (MOFGA), Jean MacRae (UMaine), Yong-Jiang Zhang (UMaine), Ling Li (UMaine), Ellen Mallory (UMaine), Eddie Nachamie (UMaine)

Funding: The Maine Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) through Hatch Project ME0-0223322, American Farmland Trust (AFT), the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), and Maine Farmland Trust (MFT)