Degradation of "forever chemicals" by microorganisms
For the first time in Slovakia, a new research program focused on the degradation of the so-called "forever chemicals" using microorganisms was launched. The research is based on the assumption that several types of microorganisms, mainly bacteria and fungi, have the potential to be effective tools in removing poly- and perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) from the wastewater environment. Institute of Molecular Biology SAS signed an important memorandum of cooperation with KIA Slovakia s.r.o.
"Thanks to this valuable cooperation with the private sector, we can investigate the selection and characterization of the microorganisms to improve PFAS biodegradation strategies and, in the future, apply this strategy in the wastewater process. KIA Slovakia, s.r.o. already got involved and provided samples of wastewater, which is a potential source of industrial PFASs, and also isolated the microflora present in the premises of the wastewater treatment plant," said Dr Domenico Pangallo, DrSc. from the Institute of Molecular Biology SAS.
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFSAs) form a large group of synthetic organic compounds that reduce surface tension, are thermostable, and have bioaccumulation potential. However, some of them are toxic and persistent and are not metabolized in the human body. They are widely used daily as part of paints, food packaging, clothing, cosmetics, lubricants, and fire extinguishers.
"These substances resist biological degradation, they often contaminate surface water, groundwater and soil, creating the danger of accumulation of these substances in drinking water, food and the environment as a whole. The harmful effects of these substances are being investigated, but they are currently classified as "substances of concern". They can cause liver damage, affect the immune system and are harmful to the development of unborn babies. They are also believed to be carcinogenic," explains the scientist.
Since the 1950s, significant amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals", have been released into the environment, leading to significant contamination of soil, surface water, and groundwater resources. PFAS exposures occur regularly in humans, animals, and the environment through a variety of sources, such as food, water, consumer products, and manufacturing industry waste. PFAS includes a broad category of synthetic organic fluorinated compounds with different chemical structures.
“Their persistent nature, toxicity to living organisms, propensity for bioaccumulation, and negative effects on health and ecosystems have led to regulatory authorities classifying them as 'highest priority pollutants'. Although there are several physicochemical methods to treat PFAS, these methods are highly costly, energy-intensive, and result in incomplete mineralization. As a result, there is growing interest in the microbial degradation and enzymatic treatment of PFAS, as it represents a more comprehensive, cost-effective, sustainable and ecological alternative. We are very happy that we can contribute to a better understanding of these processes," concludes the molecular biologist.
The following are part of the project:
The collective of the Department of Microbial Ecology, the Environmental and Food Microbiology working group from the Institute of Molecular Biology SAS led by Domenico Pangallo, DrSc. (Mgr. Andrea Puškárová, PhD., RNDr. Mária Bučková, PhD., Mgr. Lucia Kraková, PhD., Mgr. Jelena Pavlovič, PhD., Mgr. Nikola Klištincová, Mgr. Dominika Galova, Mgr. Francesca Maisto).
The collaboration between the Institute of Molecular Biology SAS and KIA represents, within the framework of the signed memorandum, the implementation of sampling as part of the research obtained from the project APVV-23-0382 (in cooperation with the Centre for Advanced Materials SAS - CEMEA) - Study of Feasibility of Biodegradation of Polyfluoroalkyl and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and project supporting úpstdoctoral students APD 0058 - Removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): investigation of potential biodegradation strategies.
Edited by Monika Tináková
Foto: canva.com