# Excellence in Research: Phytoremediation Using Vetiver Grass to address Heavy Metals and PFAS in Contaminated Soil and Wastewater

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Jackson State University (MS) · $699,948

## Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals are persistent contaminants that pose serious risks to environmental and public health, especially in landfill and wastewater treatment systems where conventional treatment methods often fail to remove them effectively. Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and arsenic (As) are often found in landfill leachate. These metals can cause severe environmental harm and create public health issues when they pollute surface or groundwater bodies. This project explores an innovative, nature-based solution using Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides), a fast-growing plant with a demonstrated ability to absorb harmful contaminants from soil and water. Vetiver grass offers a low-cost, energy-efficient, and resilient approach to treating contaminated wastewater and landfill leachate while addressing critical environmental concerns related to PFAS and heavy metals. The project will address several unknowns to evaluate the performance of Vetiver grass, including Vetiver’s adaptability in highly toxic environment, adjusting its root and molecular structure to accumulate heavy metals and contaminants in it. A robust, data-driven framework that evaluates both the efficacy and sustainability of Vetiver-based phytoremediation systems will be developed. The integration of mechanistic and machine learning models will enable predictive capabilities, offering insights into site-s

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2503140
- **Awardee organization:** Jackson State University (MS)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** WFVHMSF6BU45
- **PI:** Sadik Khan
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $699,948
- **Funds obligated:** $699,948
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/01/2025 → 05/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2503140

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2503140, Excellence in Research: Phytoremediation Using Vetiver Grass to address Heavy Metals and PFAS in Contaminated Soil and Wastewater. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2503140. Licensed CC0.

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