Feb. 9 presentation by Dana W. Kolpin, research hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey will address the increasing levels of PFAS in Iowa’s water, and why we should be taking notice

Ames, Iowa – The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Feb. 9 at noon CST will feature Dana W. Kolpin, research hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Kolpin is co-lead of the USGS Food Resources Integrated Science Team and has published extensively on topics related to the fate, transport, and effects of environmental contaminants. He has recently worked on the first statewide spatiotemporal assessment of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, in Iowa streams.

In the webinar, “A Comprehensive Statewide Spatiotemporal Assessment of PFAS in an Agricultural Region of the U.S.,” Kolpin will discuss outcomes of the study which include the growth trends of PFAS levels in Iowa’s waterways and multiple potential agriculture-related release pathways for PFAS, such as biosolids and livestock manure, to enter the ecosystem. He will also speak about the mobility and persistence of PFAS that may enter water in both urban and rural areas.

“There is growing public concern about PFAS levels in water, but relatively little research has been conducted in agricultural regions such as Iowa to document levels and potential sources,” said Kolpin. “This study provides a critical baseline of PFAS data not previously available and documents the existence of PFAS even in rural basins. Unfortunately, the same properties that have made PFAS attractive for use in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications also make them persistent and mobile, causing environmental exposures even in areas far removed from their initial use or manufacture.”

Participants in Iowa Learning Farms Conservation Webinars are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Webinar Access Instructions

To participate in the live webinar, shortly before noon CST Feb. 9:

Click this URL, or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172

Or, join from a dial-in phone line:

Dial: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923

Meeting ID: 364 284 172

The webinar will also be recorded and archived on the ILF website, so that it can be watched at any time. Archived webinars are available at: https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.

A Certified Crop Adviser board-approved continuing education unit (CEU) has been applied for. Those who participate in the live webinar are eligible. Information about how to apply to receive the credit will be provided at the end of the live webinar.

About Iowa Learning Farms:

Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program and GROWMARK, Inc.