Japanese university finds river bacteria that remove 'forever chemicals'

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are difficult to break down because their carbon-fluorine bonds are among the strongest chemical bonds. The chemicals, known for water and oil repellency and chemical stability, have accumulated in water, soil and wildlife.

PFAS have been found in high concentrations near military sites and in industrial areas, and are used in products from fabrics to firefighting foam. Japan bans, with some exceptions, the manufacture and import of several types, including PFOS, or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid.

“If we can culture and use bacteria collected from the natural environment, we will be able to decontaminate with lower costs,” said Hideyuki Inui, an associate professor at Kobe University. Researchers said the types of bacteria involved and the roles of degradation and adsorption in removing PFAS remain largely unknown.