UNIVERSITY of Newcastle researchers say they are on track to finding a solution to the chemical contamination that has dogged Williamtown residents for years.
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University of Newcastle Priority Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering's Dr Brett Turner and Laureate Professor Scott Sloan are investigating the use of hemp seed proteins to treat water and soil contamination with per-and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The federal government allocated $4.7 million over five years towards the work in the recent budget.
Dr Turner said the team's early findings, supported by an initial $600,000 grant through the NSW Government's Research Attraction and Acceleration Program, were being further explored and would be applied to the complexities of contaminated soil.
"We found that hemp has a remarkable affinity for PFAS chemicals in groundwater, so we expect that this can be applied to remediate contaminated soil - an area where currently there are no options," Dr Turner said.
Professor Sloan, the 2015 NSW Scientist of the Year, said the next step was finding a cost-effective way of removing the chemical compounds naturally.
"We are excited about the potential benefits for the residents around our local RAAF base at Williamtown, and for other affected communities worldwide," Laureate Professor Sloan said.
Dr Turner thanked United Australia Party senator Brian Burston, who is scheduled to make an announcement on PFAS funding on Wednesday, for his role in helping them secure funding.
