A tribe in Maine is using hemp to remove ‘forever chemicals’ from the soil
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have become a pressing environmental and health crisis. These synthetic compounds, used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, persist in the environment for decades, contaminating water, soil, and air. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to numerous health risks, including cancer, immune system suppression, and developmental issues.
The Aroostook Band of Micmacs in northern Maine faces an urgent PFAS contamination issue tied to a former Air Force base located on their ancestral land. The site’s history of firefighting foam use has likely left the soil and groundwater tainted with these persistent chemicals. In an innovative and hopeful step, the tribe has turned to hemp phytoremediation—a natural process of using plants to clean contaminated environments—to address this challenge.
PFAS contamination stems from decades of industrial activities and widespread use of firefighting foams, particularly near military bases, airports, and manufacturing sites. These chemicals resist degradation and leach into the surrounding environment, creating a legacy of pollution that is notoriously difficult to remediate.
Traditional methods for removing PFAS, such as excavation, incineration, or chemical treatments, are prohibitively expensive, resource-intensive, and often fail to fully eliminate the contaminants. These challenges have spurred interest in innovative and sustainable alternatives—including phytoremediation.
The Aroostook Band of Micmacs’ hemp phytoremediation project is a groundbreaking endeavour that combines Indigenous knowledge with cutting-edge environmental science. By cultivating hemp on contaminated plots of land, the tribe aims to leverage the plant’s natural ability to absorb and sequester PFAS from the soil.
Hemp is a particularly promising candidate for phytoremediation due to its fast growth, deep root systems, and ability to thrive in various soil conditions. The tribe, in collaboration with researchers from local universities, is closely monitoring the hemp plants to track their uptake of PFAS. This scientific partnership ensures that the project adheres to rigorous environmental standards and produces meaningful data that could inform future remediation efforts.
The harvested hemp biomass poses its own challenges, as PFAS absorbed by the plants must be carefully managed to avoid reintroducing contaminants into the environment. However, researchers are exploring innovative uses for this biomass, such as converting it into biofuel or durable construction materials, which would safely contain the pollutants. These potential applications highlight the tribe’s commitment to a holistic approach that addresses both environmental and economic sustainability.
The Aroostook Band’s initiative highlights the vital role Indigenous communities play in environmental stewardship. With a deep connection to their land and a focus on intergenerational sustainability, the tribe’s approach goes beyond addressing immediate contamination concerns. By adopting a nature-based solution, the Aroostook Band is setting an example for other communities around the world that are facing similar issues.
The project also highlights the importance of supporting Indigenous-led solutions to global environmental challenges. Access to funding, technical expertise, and partnerships with scientific institutions can empower these communities to pioneer innovative approaches that benefit both people and the planet.
By blending traditional knowledge with modern science, the Aroostook Band of Micmacs is tackling a complex environmental issue while promoting sustainability and resilience.
As the world deals with the widespread impact of PFAS, the lessons learned from this initiative could pave the way for broader adoption of phytoremediation techniques. Supporting Indigenous-led efforts like this not only honours the expertise and rights of these communities but also strengthens the global response to pressing environmental crises. The Aroostook Band’s vision of a cleaner, healthier future serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation.
