How Hemp Plants Can Help Clean Up ‘Forever Chemicals’ 

Hemp isn’t just for textiles and CBD anymore. It might be the key to solving one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges: removing toxic chemicals known as PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” from contaminated soil. Recent breakthroughs in Maine have sparked hope that hemp’s unique properties could help clean up these harmful pollutants and pave the way for healthier, safer farmland. 

Let’s dive into the research and explore how this humble plant could revolutionize soil remediation. 

Hemp’s Role in Cleaning the Soil 

Hemp is a powerful tool for phytoremediation, the process of using plants to remove toxins from the soil. Its deep roots absorb PFAS and other contaminants, storing them safely in the plant itself. Unlike food crops, hemp is not consumed by animals, making it a low-risk choice for remediation efforts. Plus, it grows quickly with minimal water, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective. 

Recent work in northern Maine, spearheaded by the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, has shown that hemp can successfully absorb PFAS from contaminated soil. This effort began in 2019 at the former Loring Air Force Base, a site with severe pollution from hazardous chemicals and firefighting foam. 

A Collaboration for Change 

The Micmacs, partnering with researchers like chemical engineer Bryan Berger, have turned to hemp as part of their mission to restore contaminated lands. Despite the logistical challenges of growing hemp on polluted soil – such as trucking in clean water and wearing protective gear – the results are promising. 

In recognition of this progress, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $1.6 million grant to further explore hemp’s potential for PFAS removal and even develop crops resistant to these stubborn toxins. 

“We want to create a kind of recipe,” says Berger. “If farmers call us, we can provide seeds and instructions to help remediate their soil.” 

The Roadblocks to Scaling Up 

While hemp shows great promise, challenges remain: 

• Detection: Identifying PFAS hotspots is the first step. 

• Absorption: Hemp effectively pulls toxins from the soil. 

• Disposal: The most significant hurdle is safely disposing of the PFAS-contaminated plants. 

Researchers are testing methods like thermal and chemical treatments, as well as using microbes and fungi, to break down the chemicals absorbed by hemp. Once these processes are refined, phytoremediation could be scaled to tackle larger areas of contaminated farmland. 

A Hopeful Future 

Hemp’s history as a “soil saver” is well-documented; it’s been used to remove heavy metals from industrial sites and even Chernobyl. Now, its potential to combat PFAS pollution offers a new chapter in its legacy. 

For Indigenous communities like the Micmacs, this work represents more than just environmental cleanup – it’s a continuation of their stewardship of the land. As Vice Chief Richard Silliboy said, “Having the earth as clean as possible is the job of all Native Americans.”  

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