Japanese researchers isolate river bacteria that break down persistent PFAS pollutants

A research group led by associate professor Hideyuki Inui at Kobe University discovered bacterial strains in river sediments that can diminish concentrations of PFOS and PFOA, two widely used forever chemicals. Sediment samples were taken along the Samondo River in Osaka Prefecture, where the bacteria were isolated and tested. One particular strain proved effective at reducing PFAS levels in leachate from an industrial waste landfill, demonstrating potential for real-world remediation.

The study indicates that adsorption of PFAS onto bacterial cells is a key removal mechanism. These results, appearing in the August edition of the Journal of Water Process Engineering, offer a low-cost, biologically based approach to tackling PFAS contamination, a growing global environmental and health concern. Japan already restricts the manufacture and import of several PFAS types, including PFOS and PFOA.