Science Kobe University discovers bacteria that break down 'forever chemicals'

thomas · 2026-08-23T06:08:00+0900

A research team has found bacterial strains in contaminated river sediment that can remove so-called "forever chemicals", according to the Japanese university leading the study. The discovery could offer a new way of dealing with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are notoriously difficult to break down. Their carbon-fluorine bonds are among the strongest chemical bonds known. In recent years, PFAS contamination has become a growing environmental and health concern worldwide, with the substances accumulating in water, soil and wildlife.

PFAS are highly resistant to water, oil and chemical degradation. High concentrations have been detected around military facilities and industrial areas. The chemicals are also widely used in everyday and industrial products, ranging from fabrics to firefighting foam.

The research team collected sediment samples along the Samondo River in Osaka Prefecture, then isolated and identified bacterial strains capable of reducing concentrations of PFOS and PFOA, according to the study published online in the August issue of the Journal of Water Process Engineering. They also confirmed that one of the strains significantly reduced the concentration of PFAS in leachate from an industrial waste landfill, demonstrating its applicability beyond the laboratory setting. Their study revealed that adsorption of PFAS onto bacterial cells plays a key role in removing the substances. While some microbial strains have been reported to be capable of degrading PFAS, the types of bacteria involved and the roles of degradation and adsorption in removing the substances remain largely unknown, according to the researchers.

Japanese university finds river bacteria that remove 'forever chemicals' - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A research team has found that bacterial strains in river sediments contaminated with so-called forever chemicals can remove the harm

mainichi.jp

Science Kobe University discovers bacteria that break down 'forever chemicals'

thomas

Unswerving cyclist

Japanese university finds river bacteria that remove 'forever chemicals' - The Mainichi

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