Five MSU researchers have received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study crop uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and how to prevent it.

 

The project is led by Hui Li, a professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences who specializes in soil chemistry and the environmental occurrence and fate of emerging contaminants. The four co-principal investigators are from PSM as well.

• Stephen Boyd – a University Distinguished Professor and expert on remediation of contaminated soils.
• Ray Hammerschmidt – a professor who studies plant physiology and disease resistance.
• Kurt Steinke – an associate professor and MSU Extension specialist in soil fertility and nutrient management.
• Wei Zhang – an associate professor of environmental and soil physics who looks at the transport processes of contaminants in soil, water and plant systems.

PFAS contamination has made headlines around the country, and there is mounting concern about the effects these chemicals have on public health. In response, MSU has invested in the Center for PFAS Research and has developed several multi-institutional, nationwide partnerships to address the problem. Research is looking to quantify the exposure risk to humans and the environment, develop possible remediation strategies, and explore PFAS alternatives for industries that have relied on them.

For the full story, visit the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources website.