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MARQUETTE -- Michigan agriculture officials are investing $1.9 million in new research aimed at understanding how PFAS "forever chemicals" move through agricultural systems and how their impact can be reduced.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced the research grants Monday as Michigan observes its first PFAS Awareness Week, proclaimed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for Sept. 21-25, a stte press release notes.
"MDARD is investing in research that will strengthen our ability to protect Michiganders, our land, and our livestock from PFAS and other emerging contaminants," MDARD Director Tim Boring said. "By better understanding how these chemicals move through agriculture systems, we can implement measures to reduce their impact."
MDARD is among the first state agriculture departments in the nation to establish a research grant program specifically focused on PFAS and agricultural systems. The grants are intended to help develop strategies for mitigating PFAS and other emerging contaminants.
Five research projects received funding of up to $400,000 each:
• Michigan State University: Dr. Subhasis Giri, an assistant professor at MSU, received $400,000 to study PFAS levels in soil, how the chemicals move through agricultural fields and how much is taken up by corn and soybeans. The team also will examine whether practices such as planting cereal rye as a cover crop and reducing tillage can limit PFAS movement through soil and water and reduce the amount reaching crops. Researchers from Purdue University and MSU Extension are participating.
• Western Michigan University: Dr. Dinesh Maddipatla received $395,790 to develop and test a low-cost, disposable sensor capable of quickly detecting key PFAS chemicals in irrigation water, soil-water samples and runoff. The technology could help identify PFAS hotspots, determine where additional testing is needed and monitor cleanup efforts. The project includes collaborators from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and SampleServe Inc.
• Michigan Technological University: Dr. Judith Perlinger, professor emerita, is leading a $397,999 project examining whether composted fish waste affects PFAS concentrations in garden-grown vegetables. Researchers will study which vegetables and plant tissues accumulate PFAS and whether soil treatments and different amounts of watering can reduce the chemicals. The project includes researchers from the University at Buffalo and coordination with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
• Emory University: Dr. Amina Salamova and researchers from Michigan State University received $399,995 to work with Michigan farms and study the behavior of as many as 80 different PFAS compounds. The researchers will examine how the chemicals move through soil, crops and air.
• Indiana University: Dr. Marta Venier received $400,000 to investigate how PFAS enters Michigan farm fields, including through air, water and commonly used agricultural materials such as pesticides and manure. Researchers from Michigan State University are participating in the project.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of synthetic chemicals that do not readily break down in the environment and can accumulate in soil, water and animals. The chemicals have been used in numerous consumer and industrial products, including waterproof clothing, furniture fabrics, personal care products and firefighting foam.
Long-term exposure to certain PFAS has been associated with health problems in humans and animals, increasing the need to understand how the chemicals behave once they enter agricultural environments.
The new research program is an initiative of MDARD’s Office of Agricultural Science and Research, which seeks to use scientific research to strengthen Michigan’s food and agriculture industry, improve environmental outcomes and increase agricultural resiliency.
Grant recipients were selected through a competitive review process conducted with assistance from an expert-led Joint Evaluation Committee.
MDARD also is a core member of the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team, a collaboration among seven state agencies working to coordinate the state’s response to PFAS contamination and protect public health.
PFAS Awareness Week, observed for the first time this year, is intended to increase public understanding of PFAS exposure and encourage actions that can reduce potential risks.
Since Whitmer took office in 2019, MDARD said it has provided more than $276 million in grants supporting Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. The grants have funded research and education, natural resource protection and infrastructure improvements in rural communities.
More information about MDARD grant programs is available through the department’s website.