PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), known as “forever chemicals,” are highly persistent environmental contaminants that do not easily degrade and can accumulate in water, soil, crops, and ultimately the human food chain. In water-scarce regions such as the Jordan Valley, treated wastewater is widely reused for irrigation, which raises concerns about the potential transfer of PFAS into agricultural systems. This project focuses on tracking PFAS from wastewater to agricultural soil and crops under water reuse conditions in the Jordan Valley.
The aim of this project is to investigate the occurrence, transport, and accumulation of PFAS in wastewater reuse systems, and to assess their transfer from irrigation water to soils and crops. The study integrates field sampling, advanced chemical analysis (LC-MS/MS), environmental fate assessment, and human health risk evaluation within a One Health framework. The project will generate the first systematic PFAS dataset for wastewater reuse systems in the region and will contribute to developing evidence-based recommendations for safer agricultural water reuse and environmental protection.