Two Michigan State University scientists have received grants exceeding $1 million each to investigate the impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on agriculture.
Hui Li, a professor in MSU’s Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, was awarded $1.6 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Cheryl Murphy, a professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and director of the MSU Center for PFAS Research, received $1.75 million from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The teams will study PFAS contamination at Grostic Cattle Company, a Livingston County farm affected by PFAS from contaminated biosolids. Their research will examine PFAS movement in soil, plants and livestock.
“These projects will allow us to further examine the mechanisms and pathways PFAS enter crops and livestock and strategies for mitigating PFAS exposure,” Li said.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are found in industrial and household products and have been linked to serious health risks. The scientists aim to develop management solutions and share results with stakeholders in Michigan agriculture.
To learn more about the project with Grostic Cattle Company, read the story published by the MSU Water Alliance here.
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