Lincoln University

Soil Enzymatic Activity Is Fundamental to Soil Health and Effective Long-term Agriculture. Recent Widespread Use of Engineered Nanoparticles (ENPS) and Common Habitat Occurrence of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Has Raised Significant Public Concerns on the Adverse Effects of Such Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (cecs). the Vast Application of Silver Nanoparticles (agnps)-containing Pesticides and Wide Exposure of Agricultural Soils to Pfas Contaminated Irrigation Water and Biosolid Poses Substantial Risks to Soil Health in Agricultural Settings. the Goal of This Proposed Project Is to Comprehensively Evaluate the Impacts of Agnps and Two Most Prevalent Pfas Compounds on the Activities of Eight Soil Enzymes via Enzymological Assays and Advanced Metabolomic Analysis and to Develop Innovative Mitigation Methodologies Based on Thiolfunctionalized Biochar. Successful Implementation of This Project Will Have Significant Impacts on Soil Management and Effective Long-term Agriculture in Missouri and Beyond. Expected Outcomes Include Data-based Knowledge of Cecs Impacts on Soil Enzymes, Cost-effective/deployable Mitigation Solutions and Dissemination of Developed Methods to Growers and Farmers in Agricultural Communities. the Outcomes of This Project Will Help the Leading 1890 Institute (lincoln University of Missouri) Strengthen Its Research and Extension Capacities and Boost the Training of Students Thereby Contributing to Skilled-enhanced Workforce.