Location
Havener Center, Miner Lounge / Wiese Atrium, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Start Date
4-1-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
4-1-2026 3:30 PM
Presentation Date
April 1, 2026; 1:30pm-3:30pm
Description
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are being evaluated for uptake and distribution in vascular plants, with unique findings for PFAS concentrations within different plant tissue. This work investigates the effects of PFAS on willow and poplar growth in an attempt to extrapolate findings to other tree species. These findings allow for an understanding of the consequences PFAS has on agriculture and the food chain. As PFAS are persistent the need for sustainable and safe remediation techniques to protect human health and the environment are critically needed.
Biography
Jamie Koester is a third year undergraduate student in environmental engineering. Her research with Dr. Burken and PhD student Tong Zhou focuses on PFAS and phytoremediation. She has worked on other projects with Dr. Burken and at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln but this is her first time presenting her work done at Missouri S&T. She aspires to one day earn a PhD in environmental engineering and become a research professor to create more opportunities like the ones that have helped her.
Meeting Name
2026 - Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference
Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Document Type
Poster
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
event
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 The Authors, All rights reserved
Included in
Effects of PFAS on Willow and Poplar Growth
Havener Center, Miner Lounge / Wiese Atrium, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are being evaluated for uptake and distribution in vascular plants, with unique findings for PFAS concentrations within different plant tissue. This work investigates the effects of PFAS on willow and poplar growth in an attempt to extrapolate findings to other tree species. These findings allow for an understanding of the consequences PFAS has on agriculture and the food chain. As PFAS are persistent the need for sustainable and safe remediation techniques to protect human health and the environment are critically needed.
Comments
Advisor: Joel G. Burken, burken@mst.edu