In a significant move to address the growing concern over per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the U.S. food supply, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $3.2 million in research grants to two Texas institutions. Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University will each receive $1.6 million to conduct studies to reduce PFAS exposure in agricultural settings. This funding highlights the EPA's ongoing commitment to protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects of these persistent chemicals, particularly in farming communities.
PFAS, often called ‘forever chemicals’ due to their long-lasting presence in the environment, have been used since the 1940s in various products for their ability to repel oil and water and resist heat. However, their resistance to degradation has raised concerns about their accumulation in the environment and in living organisms, potentially leading to adverse health effects. Understanding their impact on crops, livestock, and the broader food chain has become a critical priority as these chemicals enter soil, water, and agricultural systems.
Both Texas A&M University, located in College Station, and Texas Tech University in Lubbock will engage in community-focused research that targets the bioaccumulation of PFAS in agricultural plants and livestock. Their efforts will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on how PFAS affect farmlands and food production, while exploring effective strategies to mitigate exposure.
Christopher Frey, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development, emphasized the importance of these projects, saying, “Farming communities are the lifeblood of this nation. The research supported by these grants will increase our knowledge of how PFAS impacts our farmlands and food supply and help ensure our farming communities stay viable for years to come.”
Texas A&M will utilize its $1.6 million grant to deepen the understanding of PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, focusing on remediating contaminated soils and biosolids. The university's researchers aim to develop plant-based biosensors that detect PFAS in biosolids, soils, and water. This cutting-edge technology will be critical in real-time monitoring of PFAS contamination levels.
In addition to detection, the research will demonstrate methods to reduce PFAS bioavailability to plants by remediating biosolids. The long-term goal is to equip agricultural communities and decision-makers with the tools to manage PFAS risks effectively. If successful, this research could be transformative for communities using biosolids and reclaimed water, improving the safety of agricultural practices in affected areas.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech University will focus its $1.6 million on identifying less obvious PFAS sources within farming operations, including potential contamination from manure and biosolid pre-application treatments. The research will involve lab and modeling studies and plant and fish cultivation studies to examine how plants and animals absorb PFAS through various exposure pathways.
The team will investigate how soil type and biosolid amendments influence PFAS partitioning and bioavailability in crops and how PFAS contamination impacts aquatic life through dietary and water-based exposures. Texas Tech’s findings could lead to developing targeted management strategies to mitigate PFAS exposure across diverse agricultural settings.
PFAS are an increasing concern for agricultural communities because of their persistence in the environment and potential to contaminate the food chain. The chemicals' ability to bioaccumulate means that even small soil, water, or livestock concentrations can eventually lead to higher contamination levels in crops and human populations.
As PFAS contamination continues to pose challenges to environmental safety, these research initiatives will provide vital data and insights. The results will inform future policy and agricultural practices, ensuring that farmers and food producers can safeguard their operations and the communities they serve.
The EPA’s commitment to funding this research is a critical step toward a more sustainable agricultural future where farming communities are better equipped to handle the challenges posed by contaminants like PFAS.
