PFAS

A Rendering of the Green Engineering and Materials Factory of the Future to be built and connected to the University of Maine's Advanced Structure and Composites Center

University of Maine System leaders applaud advancement of FY23 appropriations for critical projects championed by Maine’s congressional delegation

If passed by the full Congress and signed by the President, the FY23 federal budget will provide $53.3 million to the System in one-time funding to advance key university workforce development and innovation projects, many of them led by the R1 University of Maine, to address state needs Orono, Maine — Leaders across the University […]

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Media reports that UMaine could receive $18 million to combat PFAS

The Bangor Daily News and WGME (Channel 13 in Portland) reported that the University of Maine could receive $18 million in the next round of federal earmarks to establish a research center, a laboratory and research funding that center around per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Much of the money would go toward equipment needed […]

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Apul speaks to BDN about PFAS contamination in public drinking water

Onur Apul, assistant professor of environmental engineering at the University of Maine, was interviewed by the Bangor Daily News in an article about PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” that were discovered in the public drinking water systems of Skowhegan, Oakland and Fryeburg serving more than 4,500 households and businesses. Apul said that While people will undoubtedly […]

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A photo of a researcher holding a nanocellulose container

UMaine researchers develop recyclable nanocellulose food containers

Takeout food is more popular than ever, but waste created by single-use plastic containers is environmentally harmful. University of Maine engineers have created a grease-proof, water-resistant container from recyclable cellulose nanocomposites that could be the next big thing in takeout technology. The demand for takeout, fast food and ready-made food has created an enormous plastic […]

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News Center Maine reports on UMaine Extension research about crops soaking up PFAS

News Center Maine reported on research conducted by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association and Maine Farmland Trust in collaboration with University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Department of Environmental Protection about crops that may be able to absorb PFAS from the soil. Plants like hemp have been shown to suck the chemicals […]

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Sun Journal features UMaine research about PFAS in animals

The Sun Journal reported on a University of Maine research study that shows animals and plants get rid of PFAS at different rates. The research showed that, once ingested, PFAS cycles out of dairy cows faster than humans, and even quicker in chickens. Corn and oats planted in contaminated soil will take up very little […]

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Forstadt and Noblet speak to BDN about anxiety around the PFAS crisis

Leslie Forstadt, human development specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and Caroline Noblet, associate professor of economics at the University of Maine and a team member of the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions PFAS Research Initiative, were interviewed for the Bangor Daily News about the anxiety surrounding Maine’s PFAS crisis. […]

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