Water treatment through wetlands is common practice, offering a cost-effective strategy for the removal of pollutants. However, exposure to pollutants may exert adverse effects on wetland functionality thereby impacting ecosystem services. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as forever chemicals, have caused contamination issues in Australian wetlands although the impact of PFAS exposure on plant phytotoxicity and wetland functionality is unknown. This project aims to understand whether a threshold concentration exists above which biochemical scale phytotoxic effects are observed and, at a molecular scale, which plant functions are affected by PFAS exposure and whether these impacts are moderated by environmental parameters. Outcomes from this research will elucidate the long-term impact of PFAS on wetland functionality which is important for industries and communities that rely on wetlands for supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural services.
- Student type: International, Domestic
- Research degree type: PhD
- Signature research theme: Sustainable Green Transition
- Supervisor: Professor Albert Juhasz
