In collaboration with Dr. Lucian Lucia from the Department of Forestry Biomaterials, this research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two environmentally sustainable biomaterials as filtration media for reducing PFAS contamination in waterways. The initial phase of the study focused on characterizing man-made synthetic compounds already detected in Rocky Branch Creek and testing their removal through preliminary filtration methods. Building on these findings, the project will expand to examine the composition and filtration potential of hemp-based plant material, bacterial gel–based material, and other established pollution-reduction media such as granular activated carbon (GAC) and biochar. The ultimate goal is to develop an efficient, sustainable filter system capable of reducing PFAS levels in aquatic environments.

Working collaboratively with Dr. Ivana Mali from the FWCB program, the initial phase of this study focused on examining how turtle habitat use relates to water quality within Schenck Forest. Building on that foundation, students are now tasked with investigating the presence of metals in both water and soil samples. These data will help determine whether environmental metal concentrations correlate with the levels detected in turtle blood across multiple locations in Wake County, ultimately providing insight into potential environmental stressors affecting local turtle populations.