Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2023_IN_Zhou

Bioaccumulation and biosorption of PFAS and their precursors in the environment

Institute: Indiana
USGS Grant Number:
Year Established: 2023 Start Date: 2024-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $279,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $279,203

Principal Investigators: Zhi Zhou

Project Summary: PFAS are a large group of chemicals that have been widely used in industry and consumer products for over 80 years. PFAS are often called "forever chemicals" as they are extremely persistent and can be detected in drinking water, air, soil, wildlife, and in almost all Americans’ blood. Exposure to PFAS may lead to multiple adverse health problems, but limited information is available on how PFAS are absorbed, accumulated, and transformed in various processes in the environment. In this study, we will investigate the adsorption and accumulation of PFAS and their potential biotransformation in biofilms and benthic macroinvertebrates. The results will contribute improved understanding of the fate and transport of PFAS in the natural environment. The new knowledge will also help professionals and the general public to understand biological processes related to PFAS and better manage PFAS to protect human health.