Making the Connection Between PFASs and Agriculture Using the Example of Minnesota, USA: A Review

Sven Reetz (), Joel Tallaksen (), John Larson and Christof Wetter
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Sven Reetz: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Münster, 48565 Steinfurt, Germany
Joel Tallaksen: West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris, MN 56267, USA
John Larson: West Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Morris, MN 56267, USA
Christof Wetter: Department of Energy, Building Services, Environmental Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Münster, 48565 Steinfurt, Germany

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 15, 1-30

Abstract: Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can cause detrimental health effects. The consumption of contaminated food is viewed as a major exposure pathway for humans, but the relationship between agriculture and PFASs has not been investigated thoroughly, and it is becoming a pressing issue since health advisories are continuously being reassessed. This semi-systematic literature review connects the release, environmental fate, and agriculture uptake of PFASs to enhance comprehension and identify knowledge gaps which limit accurate risk assessment. It focuses on the heavily agricultural state of Minnesota, USA, which is representative of the large Midwestern US Corn Belt in terms of agricultural activities, because PFASs have been monitored in Minnesota since the beginning of the 21st century. PFAS contamination is a complex issue due to the over 14,000 individual PFAS compounds which have unique chemical properties that interact differently with air, water, soil, and biological systems. Moreover, the lack of field studies and monitoring of agricultural sites makes accurate risk assessments challenging. Researchers, policymakers, and farmers must work closely together to reduce the risk of PFAS exposure as the understanding of their potential health effects increases and legacy PFASs are displaced with shorter fluorinated replacements.

Keywords: PFAS; agriculture; environmental fate; knowledge gaps; mitigation; Midwest (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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