In December 2024, the DUSRC Community Engagement Core partnered with the Waccamaw Siouan STEM Studio to offer well water testing to tribal households. Seventy-two samples were collected and analyzed for PFAS and results were shared with community members in summer 2025.
Samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) by Dr. Abigail Joyce in the DUSRC Analytical Chemistry Core. Six different types of PFAS were detected; thirty samples had detectable PFAS. These data are now being combined with data from the Soul Science project, led by Dr. Britt Moore at UNCW in spring 2023, to create a comprehensive project summary and results document to share with the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
As an interim step, Waccamaw Siouan STEM Studio (Ashley Lomboy) and Land Water and Community Coalition (Maya Miller) have provided free water pitchers to tribal households who have detectable PFAS in their drinking water. The tribal community has also been invited to several community meetings to learn more about PFAS and how to reduce exposure to the contaminants.
This study is providing data, education, and recommendations to households and the tribal council that can help with future decision making and advocacy. In addition, the partnership between the Community Engagement Core, STEM Studio, UNCW, and Land Water and Community Coalition, enhances our understanding of better ways to do community-engaged science.
Dr. Elizabeth Shapiro-Garza (Duke) and Dr. E. Britt Moore (UNCW) at a recent Waccamaw Siouan tribal council meeting.
Photo credit: Megan Hoert Hughes