Date of Award

4-2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Individualized Study

Department

Interdisciplinary

Program

Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS)

First Advisor/Chairperson

Dr. Lesley Putman

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that pose ecological and human health risks due to their resistance to degradation and potential for bioaccumulation. Phytoremediation has emerged as a potential strategy for mitigating PFAS contamination, and plant-microbe interactions may influence contaminant uptake and transport within plant systems. These studies investigated microbial inoculation methods and examined whether Bacillus subtilis could influence the uptake and distribution of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in hydroponically grown hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). Plant height and stem diameter growth rates and biomass accumulation were compared across treatments with and without PFOS exposure and microbial inoculation. PFOS exposure and microbial inoculation did not significantly affect plant growth or biomass accumulation. Significant treatment effects on PFOS concentrations in roots were observed (Kruskal-Wallis, H = 7.923, p = 0.048), suggesting potential interactions between microbial inoculations and PFOS accumulation. Elemental analysis indicated trends of reduced magnesium and phosphorous concentrations in PFOS exposed plants relative to controls. This work provides insights into plant-microbe interactions in hydroponics and provides considerations for future studies investigating microbe-meditated phytoremediation of PFAS contaminated environments.

Access Type

Open Access

Additional Files
Tyler Jolin.pdf (32 kB)
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Biochemistry Commons

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