Certain bacteria can degrade the strong bonds that give “forever chemicals” their long shelf life, and this hints at potential low-cost treatments that could cleanse water of concerning PFAS.

PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are human-made compounds found in many products. They contain strong chemical bonds that do not easily break down, making them difficult to remove from our bodies and the environment.

PFAS have been linked to a variety of health effects, and this past April, the Environmental Protection Agency set limits on the concentrations of six common PFAS in drinking water. This move highlighted a need for effective ways to clean up polluted waters.

Now, in a study published July 17 in the journal Science Advances, researchers reported for the first time that four species of Acetobacterium can degrade the bonds in some PFAS. This includes unsaturated PFAS, whose chemical structure […]