American scientists from the University of California, Riverside, have discovered a special type of bacteria that can destroy certain types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS). The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Science Advances (SciAdv).
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” get their name from the strong bonds between carbon and fluorine, which makes them difficult to degrade in the natural environment. They can accumulate in the body and cause a variety of serious diseases, including cancer, endocrine system diseases and reproductive organ diseases.
Despite their known harm, PFAS are widely used in industry to create materials with heat-resistant and water-repellent properties.
In a new study, environmental engineers examined the ability of bacteria from the genus Acetobacterium to break down persistent chemical compounds.
According to the team, Acetobacterium is commonly found in wastewater. The microorganisms have the ability to defluorinate PFAS structures. However, the microbes are only effective against unsaturated compounds that have double bonds in their structure.
Scientists have also identified specific bacterial enzymes needed to break down the bonds between fluorine and carbon. This will improve the enzymes and make them effective against a variety of “endless chemicals.”
It’s happened before knownElectric vehicle batteries have been proven to be potent sources of PFAS.