Research Seminars @ Illinois

Abstract: Numerous sites across the United States currently receive, or have historically received, PFAS-containing biosolids for land application. While this practice recycles nutrients and organic matter, it may also introduce PFAS into agricultural soils, leading to their migration into adjacent surface waters and potential accumulation in crops. Such contamination poses risks to ecosystems and human health. In our recent field investigations, we quantified PFAS concentrations in biosolids-amended soils, evaluated their transport to nearby surface water bodies, and assessed bioaccumulation in plants growing near land application sites. To further elucidate governing mechanisms, we conducted complementary greenhouse experiments using controlled plant-soil-biosolids systems to examine PFAS migration, fractionation, and plant uptake dynamics. Our results indicate that short-chain PFAS exhibit greater mobility in soil and higher plant bioavailability, whereas longer-chain PFAS tend to remain more strongly sorbed to soil particles. Plant cultivation significantly influenced PFAS distribution and fractionation, in some cases enhancing the leachability of short-chain compounds. We also assessed PFAS uptake by three edible crops, including radish, soybean, and tomato, to evaluate food-chain transfer potential. In addition, the use of modified biochar as a soil amendment to reduce PFAS mobility and plant uptake was investigated. Together, our findings highlight the complex behavior of PFAS in biosolids-amended agricultural systems and underscore the need for integrated, science-based management strategies to minimize environmental risks and safeguard food safety. This talk will also present our prior remediation efforts aimed at mitigating PFAS migration from biosolids-amended lands to surrounding ecosystems.

Bio:Weilan Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental & Sustainable Engineering at the University at Albany, State University of New York. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Texas A&M University. His research focuses on the occurrence, risk assessment, and remediation of emerging contaminants in environmental systems. He integrates laboratory experiments, field studies, and advanced analytical techniques to investigate pollutant behavior and develop effective strategies to mitigate environmental and human health impacts.