Phytoremediation with industrial hemp for mildly contaminated PFAS soils

This project focuses on the further development of an alternative, innovative approach for soil remediation, specifically aimed at soil types where traditional remediation techniques are too expensive, drastic or difficult to implement (e.g. slightly to moderately contaminated soils, agricultural land, difficult to access sites, …).

In concrete terms, the project will focus on two promising processes, i.e. phytoremediation and pyrolysis, which will be carefully evaluated for technical feasibility, effectiveness and efficiency. On the one hand, a field test will be conducted during multiple cultivation cycles to investigate the extent to which industrial hemp can accumulate PFAS in certain parts of the plant ( phytoremediation ). In addition to optimising PFAS uptake by the plant, innovative monitoring of multiple environmental compartments (groundwater, soil, plant) will also be actively used to accurately trace PFAS during the remediation process. After harvesting the hemp, the plant parts contaminated with PFAS (e.g. leaves) will be subjected to pyrolysis in a subsequent pilot test, with the aim of achieving optimum destruction of PFAS.

The added value of the proposed project, however, lies not only in the innovative remediation approach for PFAS (and by extension other substances of concern), but also in a broader value creation on an economic, ecological, social and societal level. The use of phytoremediation and pyrolysis in combination with industrial hemp can namely lead to various ecosystem services (e.g. soil upgrading, carbon storage, environmental awareness, …). The consortium is convinced that this holistic character is a powerful example for tackling global challenges.