Around the world, every minute, 30 hectares of fertile soil are turned into dirt due to modern industrial and lifestyle practices. Expanding agriculture, mining, industrial production, and urbanization are pushing our soil to its limits. This degradation has devastating consequences, as inorganic pollutants—particularly heavy metals and the forever chemical PFOS—severely impact ecosystems like soil, water, and air, eventually infiltrating food chains.
Hemp, a globally grown, powerful plant with remarkable capabilities, is emerging as a key player in tackling this issue. Through a natural process called phytoremediation, hemp can absorb and store pollutants and toxins, making it an ideal tool for cleaning contaminated soils. This innovative solution is a major discovery towards sustainable ways to address the toxic legacy left by industrialization.
The buildup of heavy metals in the soil is a major threat to both the environment and human health. These toxic substances are linked to some modern diseases such as cancer or infertility. When soils are overloaded with these metals, they can no longer support healthy ecosystems, meaning that they also contribute to the climate crisis.
Phytoremediation is a biological process in which plants like hemp are used to remove, transfer, and stabilize contaminants in the soil and groundwater. Beyond its ability to absorb heavy metals, hemp can also take up PFOS. This unique capacity is significant, as “forever chemicals” like PFOS are widespread and even found in the bloodstream of polar bears.
Belgium is at the forefront of using hemp for phytoremediation of PFOS. C-Biotech, a Belgian company, has made significant strides in utilizing hemp to clean PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), a persistent pollutant that does not degrade naturally and poses severe health risks. In Belgium, hemp is grown around an American industrial cluster in Antwerp, one of Europe’s most heavily PFOS-contaminated zones.
C-Biotech, in collaboration with scientists from Ghent University, has discovered that hemp effectively absorbs PFOS into its leaves, while the stems and fibers remain uncontaminated. The contaminated leaves are then safely disposed of through high-temperature incineration, which breaks down the PFOS. This process allows the remaining hemp biomass to be used for sustainable products like building materials and biocomposites.
This innovative approach provides a model for polluting industries to integrate circular economy strategies and create sustainable products. Transforming a pollutant-laden crop into a useful product sets a new paradigm for how industries can adopt sustainability and environmental stewardship in their business models.
Phytoremediation with hemp is a scalable and adaptable solution to soil pollution. Hemp can grow in various climates, from Iceland to South America, making it a versatile tool for global environmental restoration. Its resilience, rapid growth, and pollutant absorption capabilities make it essential in climate mitigation strategies.
However, the potential of hemp in phytoremediation must be carefully managed. Hemp grown for food or CBD products should be cultivated in clean soils, as the plant’s ability to absorb toxins could pose a risk to consumers if grown in polluted environments.
The environmental benefits of hemp phytoremediation extend beyond removing pollutants. By revitalizing degraded soils, hemp restores ecosystems, improves food security, and enhances soil carbon sequestration, all critical for combating climate change. As industries become more aware of hemp’s economic and environmental advantages, this natural solution may gain greater traction in global climate mitigation efforts.
On a personal note:
Phytoremediation with hemp is not just a promising environmental technology—it is a vital tool for healing our planet and building a sustainable future. Different countries have varying regulations for the use of hemp grown for phytoremediation, and scientists are working to bridge these divides by exchanging knowledge on testing sites and methods. Keeping this research open-source and globally applied is essential for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and meeting global Green Deal targets.
As a Climate Impact Storyteller, Maren Krings leverages her expertise in photography, filmmaking, content writing, and keynote speaking to highlight the potential of hemp for climate resilience and social justice. She holds a B.F.A. in Photography from the Savannah College of Art & Design, a degree in Climate Change Studies and Environmental Science from the University of Exeter, and multiple certifications in related fields.
Related articles
