The Universidad Nacional de Avellaneda (UNDAV) is advancing in a pioneering research on the use of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for the recovery of contaminated soils, particularly those in the lower basin of Riachuelo. The project aims to evaluate the potential of this plant as a tool for phytoremediation, that is, the ability to absorb, stabilize, or degrade heavy metals present in the soil.
The study, coordinated by the Extension Secretariat of UNDAV and led by Liliana Elsegood, is taking place at the “Yolanda Ortiz” greenhouse at the Piñeyro campus. In this space, eight beds were built and 20 geotextile pots were placed, using contaminated soil collected from the banks of Riachuelo, combined in some cases with common black soil. The hemp genetics used were provided by the company Ananda Pampa through a non-propagation agreement.
“The main objective is to explore the effectiveness of hemp as a phytoremediator in controlled and urban conditions,” explained environmental technicians Alejandro Paoloni and Luis Príncipe, part of the project team. The crop was planted at different densities to observe its behavior and absorption of heavy metals.
The initiative, financed by Cooperativa Lara —specialized in urban cleaning and sustainability—, is supported by a collaboration network that includes the Faculty of Agronomy of UBA (FAUBA), the Center for Environmental Science Studies (CeCCA), the IDEAL Avellaneda Institute, the Argentine Chamber of Hemp and Cannabis Industrialists (CAINCCA), and the Vegen company, incubated at the National University of Córdoba (UNC).
New study on the use of hemp. Photo: Cañameras Recipes.
What are the project’s objectives?
Among the main objectives of the project are:
- Measuring hemp’s ability to absorb heavy metals such as lead, chromium, or cadmium.
- Determining which part of the plant concentrates the highest bioaccumulation.
- Evaluating if the biomass obtained can be reused as a raw material for textiles, construction materials, or food products.
- Developing educational inputs and tools to guide future public environmental remediation policies.
Furthermore, Vegen’s participation opens the possibility of integrating UNDAV into the Hemp Innovation Consortium, which promotes the measurement of carbon footprint and CO₂ capture by crops.
With this research, UNDAV positions itself as one of the leading academic institutions in the development of sustainable solutions for historical environmental issues, such as Riachuelo pollution, combining science, inter-institutional coordination, and commitment to the community.
Hemp use. Photo: Cañameras Recipes.
Processing the first hemp crop in Patagonia
In recent days, the Chacra Modelo of Fundación Gen in General Roca was the scene of a historic day for the Alto Valle de Río Negro: the first agro-industrial processing of hemp cultivation in Patagonia took place. The activity marked a milestone in progress towards a more diversified, sustainable, and innovative production matrix in the region.
Hemp is one of the most versatile plants known to humanity, with uses that span over 25,000 products in sectors such as food, construction, cosmetics, energy, textiles, automotive, and medicine. Despite its millennia-old history —with records dating back to 2500 B.C.— its development in the country was limited due to political and cultural reasons.
Currently, hemp emerges as a strategic opportunity to boost the regional economy, create jobs, diversify production, and promote sustainable practices. With low water consumption, soil recovery capacity, and multiple industrial applications, it emerges as a key tool for the agro-industrial development of Patagonia.
Source: Cañameras Recipes.
