Bacteria That Eat ‘Forever Chemicals’ Discovered in Contaminated Soil
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📰 The quick summary: Scientists have discovered bacteria capable of breaking down harmful ‘forever chemicals’ by feeding exclusively on PFAS compounds, offering a potential solution to this persistent environmental contaminant.
📈 One key stat: Some bacterial strains demonstrated PFAS degradation efficiency above 30%, a remarkably high rate for breaking down these notoriously persistent compounds.
💬 One key quote: “We obtained these PFAS-eating bacteria through a process called ‘enrichment,’ which involves growing them in media where they only have PFAS to feed on,” explains Professor Puglisi.
1️⃣ The big picture: Researchers from Catholic University in Piacenza have discovered bacteria that can break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), toxic compounds known as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their extreme resistance to natural degradation. These chemicals are widely used in products like food packaging, cookware, and cosmetics, posing serious risks to human health and the environment. The research team isolated about 20 bacterial species from PFAS-contaminated soil in Italy’s Veneto region that can not only survive exposure to these chemicals but actively use them as their sole carbon and energy source. This discovery represents a significant step toward developing biological remediation strategies for PFAS pollution.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: These bacteria offer a potential natural solution to one of our most stubborn environmental contaminants. The microorganisms can actually consume PFAS compounds that have previously resisted conventional cleanup methods. The strains belong to genera already known in bioremediation, like Micrococcus and Achromobacter, making them promising candidates for practical applications. They’re easily cultivated in laboratory settings and aren’t typically harmful to humans. This breakthrough could potentially transform how we address PFAS contamination in soil and groundwater, providing a sustainable alternative to more costly and energy-intensive remediation techniques.
3️⃣ What’s next: Researchers are now studying these bacterial strains more thoroughly and analyzing their genomes to identify the specific genes involved in PFAS biodegradation. Tests are underway on various types of PFAS compounds to determine which bacteria perform best with different chemicals. The next phase will include laboratory experiments to verify the bacteria’s remediation capabilities under more realistic environmental conditions.
Read the full story here: SciTechDaily – Scientists Discover Bacteria That Devour Toxic “Forever Chemicals”
