UC Riverside Scientists Discover Bacteria That Can Break Down Forever Chemicals

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have identified specific bacterial species within the genus Acetobacterium that can break down certain types of forever chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), by cleaving their strong carbon-fluorine bonds.

This finding, published in Science Advances, marks a significant step toward developing low-cost treatments for contaminated drinking water sources. The bacteria, commonly found in wastewater environments worldwide, are particularly effective against unsaturated PFAS compounds with double carbon-to-carbon bonds.

Lead researcher Yujie Men emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating, "This is the first discovery of a bacterium that can do reductive defluorination of PFAS structures." The team also identified specific enzymes within these bacteria that are crucial for breaking the carbon-fluorine bonds, opening up possibilities for bioengineers to enhance these enzymes for broader PFAS compound treatment.

This research builds on Men's previous work, which identified microorganisms capable of cleaving carbon-chlorine bonds in chlorinated PFAS compounds. The latest discovery expands the range of PFAS compounds that can be biologically destroyed.

The potential for using these bacteria in groundwater treatment is promising, as it offers a cost-effective solution by destroying pollutants before they reach wells. This development is particularly timely, given the EPA's recent imposition of strict water-quality limits on certain forever chemicals in tap water.

PFAS compounds, widely used in consumer products since the 1940s due to their heat, water, and lipid-resistant properties, have been linked to various health issues, including cancer.