Non Technical Summary
Our agricultural practices are under threat from pollution, particularly from chemicals known as Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are pervasive environmental contaminants. These chemicals often originate from military sites, industrial areas like refineries, and other sources such as airports, and have been found in areas such as the Rio Grande basin in El Paso. This region includes a vast number of farms that cultivate crops like alfalfa, a major agricultural staple. The presence of PFAS in the soil can disrupt the normal uptake of essential minerals by crops, affecting their growth, nutritional quality, and safety. This situation not only poses a risk to local agriculture and the economy but also raises significant environmental and health concerns for the community.In response to this, our project aims to explore the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a novel approach to manage and mitigate the effects of PFAS on crops. These nanoparticles, commonly used in agriculture to enhance nutrient absorption and protect plants from pests, will be studied to determine their effectiveness in altering the behavior of PFAS in the soil. Specifically, how they affect the toxicity, movement, and overall availability of these pollutants to plants. We will conduct controlled experiments using alfalfa as a model crop to systematically assess how nanoparticles interact with PFAS and how this interaction influences the plant's uptake of essential nutrients and its overall health.The goal of our research is to provide actionable insights that can lead to better management practices in agriculture, particularly in regions at high risk of PFAS contamination. By understanding and leveraging the properties of nanoparticles, we hope to reduce the uptake of harmful chemicals by crops, thereby improving food safety and environmental health. If successful, this project could lead to significant societal benefits including enhanced agricultural productivity, improved economic outcomes for farming communities, and reduced health risks associated with PFAS exposure. Ultimately, our research could offer a scientifically backed strategy that can be used nationally or globally in similar at-risk areas, supporting sustainable farming and healthier communities.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
314	1640	2000	50%
102	2499	1000	50%

Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 314 - Toxic Chemicals, Poisonous Plants, Naturally Occurring Toxins, and Other Hazards Affecting Animals;

Subject Of Investigation
1640 - Alfalfa; 2499 - Plant research, general;

Field Of Science
1000 - Biochemistry and biophysics; 2000 - Chemistry;

Goals / Objectives
Our overarching research goal is to develop a measurable understanding of the impacts of metallic oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in the soil as a controlling tool for assessing PFAS contamination level, transport, transformation, and fate in the crops grown in the desert. As the first step toward this goal, we propose investigating the influence of NPs in agricultural soils on the uptake of targeted PFAS compounds generally found in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations and AFFF-contaminated soils on the growth and development of crops grown in desert areas under high risk of PFAS pollution . In this two-year project, we will primarily address the following objectives:Objectives I: To investigate the controlling role of metallic oxide NPs in PFAS toxicity alleviation when ZnO-NPs co-exists with polar and non-polar PFAS in high-risk PFAS contamination soil under the influence of the arid climate on alfalfa (Medicago sativa).The mutual effects of co-existing PFAS and NPs on the dynamics of microbial communities in soil that control nitrogen fixation and macro/micronutrient availability will be investigated.The alteration of plant hormonal homeostasis will be studied to understand the superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD)and Catalase (CAT) concentration under coexisting contaminants, which lead to alteration shoot biomass, and rooting depth.To elucidate how NPs in the co-presence of soluble and insoluble PFAS molecules impact the uptake of phosphorous and nitrogen and other inorganic elements, including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg) nutrients and their translocation in crops to project the yield loss associated with PFAS and NPs consumption. Nutrient uptake of P uptake, nitrate uptake, shoot biomass, and rooting depth.Objectives II: To understand the behavior of metallic oxide nanoparticles under desert environmental factors of temperature, pH, and soil redox potential (Eh) in soil on the translocation, fate, and control of PFAS in crops.To investigate the potential surface adsorption of two PFAS which indicated the minimal toxicity in objectiveI onto Ag and ZnO-NPs under the influence of soil redox potential within the conventional irrigation system.To measure the effects of soil salinity and pH change in the possible dissociation of NPs and transformation of PFAS in coexistence with NPs in arid climate.Soil temperature strongly affects the cationic exchange of nanoparticles, PFAS mobility and volatility, affecting the microbial community in soil which lead to alteration of crop performance and unknown toxicity effects. The effect of two temperatures of 40 and 25 oC on PFAS availability in exposure to NPs will be investigated.

Project Methods
The project will employ rigorous scientific methods to understand the impact of metallic oxide nanoparticles (NPs) on PFAS contamination in agricultural soils, focusing particularly on environments in desert areas. This approach encompasses a series of designed experimental and analytical methods. Here's a detailed description of the project's methodology, evaluation strategies, and efforts to engage and influence the target audience:Scientific Methods and Unique Aspects:Materials Preparation: Using a range of concentrations of metallic oxide nanoparticles and PFAS compounds, prepared according to stringent protocols to ensure consistency and reliability in the results.Soil and Plant Preparation: Soil sampling and preparation will follow standard protocols to ensure that soil conditions are replicable and that the PFAS contamination is uniformly distributed. Plant cultivation will also adhere to established procedures to ensure healthy growth and consistent treatment across samples.Analytical Techniques: Utilizing high-resolution techniques such as SEM-EDX, Dynamic Light Scattering, and LC-MS/MS to analyze nanoparticle characterization and PFAS quantification. These methods are chosen for their accuracy and reliability in detecting minute quantities of substances.Environmental Simulation: Conducting experiments under controlled desert climate conditions to closely simulate real-world scenarios, ensuring the applicability of the findings to actual agricultural settings in desert regions.Evaluation and Quantification of Impact:Experimental Data Analysis: Statistical analysis of soil and plant samples to assess the efficacy of nanoparticles in reducing PFAS uptake by plants and altering PFAS mobility and bioavailability in soil.Sorption Studies: Evaluating the interaction between PFAS and nanoparticles through sorption-desorption experiments, providing insights into the potential for nanoparticles to immobilize PFAS in soils.Longitudinal Studies: Monitoring changes over time to evaluate the lasting impacts of NPs on PFAS contamination and the health of agricultural systems.Milestone Tracking: Regular assessments against project milestones and objectives, using quantitative and qualitative data to measure success and guide future research directions.Efforts to Change Knowledge, Actions, or Conditions:Educational Workshops and Training: Conducting workshops for invited agricultural professionals, and local communities to disseminate knowledge about the use and benefits of nanoparticles in managing soil contaminants.Publication and Dissemination: Publishing findings in scientific journals and presenting at conferences to share knowledge with the broader scientific and agricultural communities.Extension Services: Partnering with agricultural extension services at University of Texas and Texas A&M University to provide ongoing support and updates on the latest research findings and technological advancements.Evaluation of Outputs and Outcomes:Quantitative Measures: Including but not limited to the number of experimental treatments, measuring the reduction in PFAS levels, evaluating in crop yields, and improvement in soil health.Feedback and Surveys: Collecting feedback from workshop participants and community members to assess changes in knowledge and attitudes towards nanoparticle use in agriculture.Pre- and Post-Test Assessments: Conducting assessments before and after educational programs to measure the increase in knowledge among participants.Policy Influence: Documenting instances where project findings have influenced local or national policies on agricultural practices and environmental management.By integrating these methodologies, efforts, and evaluation strategies, the project aims to achieve a comprehensive understanding of how metallic oxide nanoparticles can impact the fate of PFAS contamination in agricultural settings, particularly in arid environments, and to effectively communicate these findings to ensure widespread benefit and application.