Phytoextraction of PFAs (Per- and Polyfluro Alkyl substances) by fiber, grain and CBD hemp varieties
Research Poster Health & Life Sciences 2025 Graduate ExhibitionPresentation by Manoj Paudel
Exhibition Number 185
Abstract
PFAs (Per- and Polyfluro Alkyl substances) also known as ‘Forever Chemicals’ are long lasting chemical compounds which break down very slowly over time and pose risks to human and animal health. Phytoremediation consists of using plants to uptake PFAs from contaminated soil and is one of the easiest and cost-effective option to get rid of those compounds from soil. We carried out a greenhouse study to determine the PFAs uptake in five hemp varieties representing different end uses: Maverick (CBD production) ,Henola and Bialob (fiber production), and Futura and Fedora (grain production). The soil was collected from Penn state living filter where effluent from sewage treatment plants is used for irrigation and contains detectable levels of PFAs. There was no significant difference in total PFAs uptake by different hemp varieties in later vegetative stage (3 weeks after planting). However, at harvest, total PFAs uptake was significantly lower in Bialob compared to all other varieties. We analyzed leaf, stem, flower and grain separately to determine the PFAs accumulation. Most of the PFAs were accumulated in leaf and very few were accumulated in grains. For Maverick variety, most PFAs were accumulated in flower. Overall removal efficiency (ability to effectively absorb and accumulate PFAs from soil) was less than one for all hemp varieties which indicates that the hemp varieties we used were not significant accumulator of PFAs and can be used for commercial production.
Importance
PFAs (Per- and Polyfluro Alkyl substances) are chemical compounds emitted from different industries and sewage treatment plants which break down very slowly over time. Once they enter the food chain, they cause severe effect on human and animal health. PFAs are found in water, air and soil at different locations. Different plants have the capacity to remove such PFAs from soil and accumulate them in their tissues which can later be safely disposed. We evaluated whether hemp plants are good choice for phytoextraction of PFAs. The hemp varieties which were used in our study were not significant accumulator of PFAs which indicates that they are safe to be used for commercial purpose.