Microbial Allies: A New Hope in the War Against ‘Forever Chemicals’

The battle against "forever chemicals" - per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - has taken a promising turn with a groundbreaking discovery by researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). These insidious pollutants, notorious for their persistence in the environment and harmful effects on human health, may finally have met their match in the form of specific bacterial species.

 

The Discovery: UCR scientists have identified microorganisms belonging to the genus Acetobacterium that can effectively break down certain types of PFAS. These bacteria, commonly found in wastewater environments, possess the unique ability to cleave the stubbornly strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make PFAS so persistent.

 

Mechanism of Action: The researchers have pinpointed specific enzymes within these bacteria that are essential for breaking down PFAS. This discovery opens the door to bioengineering efforts to enhance these enzymes and extend their effectiveness to a wider range of PFAS compounds.

 

Cost-Effective Solution: Using bacteria to remediate contaminated groundwater offers a cost-effective solution as it eliminates the pollutants before they reach wells. This method involves injecting the contaminated groundwater with beneficial bacteria and nutrients to support their growth.

 

The UCR discovery marks a significant advancement in the ongoing fight against PFAS contamination. While the identified bacteria are currently effective only on unsaturated PFAS compounds, the identification of the key enzymes involved in the degradation process holds immense potential for future research and development. By harnessing the power of these microbial allies, we can move closer to achieving cleaner water sources and reducing the health risks associated with PFAS exposure. 

 

Read the full journal article here.

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shaina

Shaina Shay is an accomplished water professional with over a decade of experience in water policy, management, conservation, and community outreach. Her passion for pragmatic information sharing drives her work across the U.S. and Australia, where she has held roles with investor-owned utilities and as a senior water market specialist. Shaina's commitment to the field is reflected in her leadership positions within the American Water Works Association (AWWA), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Southern Arizona Water Users Association (SAWUA).