Japanese university finds river bacteria that remove ‘forever chemicals’

A research team in Japan has identified bacterial strains residing in river sediments that possess the ability to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." This discovery offers a promising avenue for addressing the global environmental and health challenges posed by these persistent pollutants.

PFAS are notoriously difficult to break down due to the strength of their carbon-fluorine bonds. They have accumulated in water, soil, and wildlife worldwide, raising significant concerns. The chemicals, valued for their water and oil repellency, are widely used in products ranging from textiles to firefighting foam and are often found in high concentrations near industrial sites and military bases.

Associate Professor Hideyuki Inui of Kobe University, who led the study, expressed optimism about the potential for using naturally occurring bacteria. "If we can culture and use bacteria collected from the natural environment, we will be able to decontaminate with lower costs," he stated. The research team collected sediment samples from the Samondo River in Osaka Prefecture, isolating strains that effectively reduced concentrations of PFOS and PFOA, two specific types of PFAS.

Further testing demonstrated the bacteria's applicability beyond the lab, as it significantly reduced PFAS levels in leachate from an industrial waste landfill. The study published in the Journal of Water Process Engineering suggests that the adsorption of PFAS onto bacterial cells is a primary mechanism for their removal. While previous research has indicated some microbial degradation of PFAS, the specific bacteria involved and the combined roles of degradation and adsorption have remained largely unclear until now.

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If we can culture and use bacteria collected from the natural environment, we will be able to decontaminate with lower costs.