Characterizing the exposure of soil and field crops to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances from the land application of biosolids

Lead Applicant: Ryan Prosser

Research Priority: Sustainable Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2024/2025

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Biosolids provide nutrients and organic matter to increase the fertility of agricultural fields. The land application of biosolids to agricultural fields also represents the most economical method for the management of solid sewage waste for municipalities. However, there is concern about the potential risk that per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolids may pose to environmental and human health. PFAS are very slow to degrade in the environment, can accumulate in biota, and can have adverse effects on biota. The goal of this project is to characterize PFAS in biosolids from wastewater treatment facilities across Ontario along with characterizing PFAS in biosolids-amended fields. The project will characterize PFAS taken up by crops grown in biosolids-amended fields, with a focus on the commodity portion of crops. The data generated will be used to characterize the risk that PFAS in biosolids pose to Ontario's agroecosystems and by extension human health.