Scientists identify microbes that may destroy “forever chemicals” in groundwater

19 Jul 2024 — Microorganisms of the genus Acetobacterium, commonly found in wastewater environments, can destroy certain kinds of PFAS “forever chemicals.” The researchers note the discovery is a step toward low-cost treatments of contaminated drinking sources. 

The University of California in Riverside (UCR), US team explains that the microorganisms can cleave the stubborn fluorine-to-carbon chemical bonds in PFAS.