PFAS: Uni tests hemp

“Forever chemicals” aka PFAS are in our food and water: could hemp be the cure?

Image Credit: University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Newcastle Uni has been studying hemp as a potential remediator of the man-made chemicals known as PFAS. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various industries since the 1940s. They have been used in a myriad of applications such as fire fighting foam, non-stick cookware, cleaning and personal care products. Today, PFAS are found in the blood of an estimated 98% of people in USA, and are responsible for significant environmental and health concerns.

Newcastle University 
Image Credit: Newcastle University.

Read about how Newcastle Uni has been studying how to utilise hemp to remediate ground water and soil since 2019. For his work, researcher Dr Brett Turner (who has filed for a patent) received the Newcastle Chancellor's Award for Innovation in 2017.

L to R: Mr Glenn Currell, Dr Brett Turner and Dr Dan Bishop.
Image Credit: Newcastle University.