Summary
Composting is a widely used method for managing organic waste and producing nutrient-rich fertilizers. About 35% of U.S. households use compost for gardening. However, recent studies have found that compost can contain PFAS — a group of harmful, long-lasting chemicals. These chemicals can accumulate and move through compost piles in unexpected ways, eventually ending up in soil and water when compost is applied. This project will investigate how PFAS behave in compost under different environmental conditions. By understanding the factors that influence PFAS movement through compost, the projec