Japanese university finds river bacteria that remove ‘forever chemicals’
Researchers at Kobe University have identified bacterial strains in river sediment capable of breaking down PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals.' This discovery offers a potential low-cost method for environmental decontamination of industrial waste.
Why it matters
PFAS are persistent environmental pollutants that pose significant health risks; finding a biological solution could revolutionize cleanup efforts.
The finding offers hope for tackling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are difficult to break down.
Listen Summarise A Japanese university research team found bacteria in river sediments that can remove harmful PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, which are hard to break down. The bacteria reduce PFAS like PFOS and PFOA by adsorbing them onto their cells, showing potential for low-cost environmental cleanup. One bacterial strain effectively lowered PFAS levels in industrial waste leachate, proving its use beyond lab tests and offering hope for broader pollution control. AI generated
TOKYO – A research team has found that bacterial strains in river sediments contaminated with so-called forever chemicals can remove the harmful substances, according to a Japanese university that led the study.
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