A groundbreaking project in Maine has received $1.6 million in funding to continue research into hemp’s potential in remediating soil contaminated by PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals.”
The initiative, at a closed air base, is led by Indigenous researchers from the Aroostook Band of Micmacs Native American tribe, backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is examining hemp’s ability to absorb the toxins through phytoremediation. The long-term goal is to develop scalable methods that can be applied to other agricultural settings.
The former Loring Air Force Base is located on the tribal lands of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs. In 2009, the U.S. government transferred the land to the tribe, which included areas designated as a federal Superfund site due to its history of hazardous waste storage and firefighting foam use.
Research suggests PFAS pollutants could be widespread across millions of acres of U.S. farmland, leading to potential human health concerns such as cancer and liver damage.
The Micmacs tribe has been actively involved in efforts to clean up the site and utilize it for community and economic development, including the current research initiative.
Hemp’s unique properties
Hemp’s hardiness and fast-growing nature make it an ideal candidate for soil remediation. It requires minimal water, grows in dense clusters, and its roots penetrate deeply into the soil to absorb toxins without shedding contaminated materials back into the environment. The plant is also unattractive to wildlife, reducing the risk of PFAS entering the food chain.
Research efforts at the Loring site have demonstrated the effectiveness of hemp in reducing soil toxins. Now, with EPA grant, the project has expanded to include research into PFAS-resistant crops that could help revitalize polluted farmland.
Called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in nature, PFAS have been found in humans, water, air, fish and soil, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The chemicals have been used in “Teflon” nonstick pans, fast food wrappers, water-resistant clothing, and carpeting that repels water, grease and stains. The chemicals have also been used in lubricants, firefighting foam used at military bases and airports, and even in personal care products such as waterproof mascaras and eyeliners, sunscreen, shampoo and shaving cream.
Indigenous leadership
The site of this research, granted to the Micmac tribe in 2009, reflects a complex history. Indigenous lands in the U.S. have often been allocated in areas with environmental challenges. Nonetheless, the Micmac community remains committed to restoring the land.
The commitment to environmental stewardship among Indigenous peoples emphasizes the importance of clean land and resources. Tribal leaders say they are particularly concerned about the impact of PFAS pollution on culturally significant plants, such as ash wood, which is integral to traditional basket weaving.
Hurdles in disposal
One of the biggest obstacles facing phytoremediation is safely disposing of the hemp once it has absorbed PFAS. Unlike metals or other toxins, PFAS cannot be simply burned or discarded. Researchers are experimenting with hydrothermal liquefaction, chemical treatments, and microbial degradation to determine the best methods for breaking down PFAS without reintroducing it into the environment.
The challenge of using phytoremediation involves three critical steps: detecting PFAS in soil, employing hemp to absorb it, and finally, disposing of the contaminated plant matter. Processing enough hemp to clean a large agricultural area can take weeks, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Toward a scalable solution
The team’s ultimate objective is to develop a standardized protocol for farmers and land managers to use hemp in crop rotations to detoxify soil. For now, researchers continue to refine disposal techniques and explore the potential of phytoremediation as a sustainable, scalable approach to managing PFAS contamination.
The hope is to provide farmers with the necessary resources and guidelines to effectively use hemp for soil remediation, offering a practical solution to the challenges posed by contaminated land.
Belgian researchers are also studying hemp’s potential for PFAS cleanup, including at one site of industrial giant 3M. Researchers in Michigan are also looking into hemp in soil mitigation.