Protect: PFAS- A Problem for Native Plants and their Habitats

So, last week on a dark, cold Monday night in November, I went to an educational meeting at the local library sponsored by several local non-profit organizations. I  learned a lot. It got darker, even with the lights on. 

The topic was PFAS. Toxic Biosolid sludge from wastewater plants that is being used as fertilizer on agricultural fields throughout Virginia and the United States. This toxic matter is being given to farmers free of charge. A free place to get rid of it. The farmers are not informed of the hazards to humans, wildlife, plants, waterways...entire ecosystems. 

Time to shed some light on the issue.

As a member of the VNPS, Virginia Native Plant Society, I wanted to learn more about these "forever chemicals". How are they affecting native plants and their habitats.

 Most importantly, what can be done to manage them. 

Here is some of what I found out.

PFAS(polyfluorolalkyl substances) 

PFAS, are a group of human-made chemicals known for repelling water, grease, and stains. Because they are not easily broken down, they are nicknamed "forever chemicals" and persist in the environment, accumulating in soil, water, animals, and humans over time. PFAS are found in a wide range of products, including some cookware, food packaging, carpets, and firefighting foams. 

IMPACT on NATIVE PLANTS

These chemicals, which are widespread in Virginia's environment, can be absorbed from soil and water. They accumulate in plant tissues. 

Growth and development: Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS can lead to plant stress and lower growth rates due to disrupting their normal functions.

• Biochemical and molecular effects: PFAS can cause biochemical and molecular perturbations in plants, even if physical damage is not apparent.

• Absorption: Plants can take up PFAS from contaminated soil through their roots and from water through their roots.

• Accumulation: Some plant groups, such as herbaceous dicots and grasses, are more efficient at accumulating certain PFAS compounds than others.

• Widespread contamination: PFAS are found in Virginia's rivers, streams, and in biosolids used as fertilizer. This means widespread exposure to native vegetation is possible. 

Virginia-specific context

• PFAS sources: Industrial customers of wastewater treatment plants have been identified as a source of PFAS contamination in Virginia.

• Contamination in water and soil: PFAS have been detected in the Roanoke River, Spring Hollow Reservoir, and associated drinking water supplies. They can also be present in soil through contaminated water or the use of contaminated biosolid fertilizers.  PFAS  have been detected in the Potomac River watershed. They are in the river's water, tributaries, and in drinking water drawn from it. The contamination comes from sources like municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plant effluent, as well as other potential sources in the watershed.

• Sources of contamination: Wastewater treatment plants, industrial processes and landfills are a major source

• Research and monitoring: The University of Virginia is conducting research to better understand how PFAS affects crops. The James River Association has also reported widespread contamination and has noted that the state does not currently require monitoring of PFAS in wastewater discharge permits.  We don't know how the Rappahannock River watershed is faring.

CALL TO ACTION

Calls to action for PFAS regulation in Virginia include pressuring the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to use its authority to limit PFAS discharge, demanding that lawmakers expand funding for monitoring and testing, and urging the EPA to finalize strict water criteria. Specific actions include contacting state legislators, participating in DEQ permit hearings, and supporting organizations that advocate for stronger chemical laws. 

• Contact Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ):

  • Demand that the DEQ and State Water Control Board use their existing authority to prevent the release of PFAS into Virginia's waters, as suggested by Wild Virginia.

  • Encourage the DEQ to incorporate PFAS sampling requirements and disclosure into permits for facilities, especially those with land-applied biosolids, according to Potomac Riverkeeper Network.

  • Contact your state legislators:

    • Advocate for state legislation that will reduce further PFAS pollution and expand funding for implementation of monitoring and control programs, notes the Virginia Conservation Network.

    • Push for resources to support the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and DEQ in monitoring PFAS pollution and testing private wells.

  • Contact the EPA:

    • Urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize stringent criteria for the amounts of certain PFAS that are prohibited in public waters, according to Wild Virginia

    • Participate in public processes:

      • Attend public meetings and hearings held by the DEQ, such as those regarding water discharge permits for facilities like AdvanSix in Hopewell, say Bay Journal.

    • Support advocacy organizations:

      • Donate to or volunteer with organizations like Clean Water Action or the Virginia Conservation Network that are working to address PFAS contamination and advocate for stronger chemical laws in Virginia. 

    • Be Determined. Onward...

Blog Post by Ruth Landry-Stone, November 20, 2025

Sources: Environmental Protection Agency, University of Virginia, Wild Virginia, Potomac Riverkeeper Network, Friends of the Rappahannock, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Science Direct