Looking back
Exploring microbial conversion of PFAS
Researchers from Wageningen Food & Biobased Research are exploring the microbial conversion of PFAS. They also examine adsorption and oxidation techniques to break down the 'forever chemicals' before they end up in drinking water. Additionally, they are developing a new method using sensors to detect PFAS in water. This was highlighted in the presentation by Norbert Kuipers, researcher at Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, at the SKIW symposium.
According to Kuipers, most of the current technologies for breaking down PFAS rely on adsorption and destruction. The Microbial Cell Factories group is investigating the potential of applying microbial degradation to remediate PFAS-containing waste streams. When chemicals are released into the environment, microorganisms can utilize them for growth. Microorganisms adapt quickly and can grow on substrates (food sources) that, before adaptation, they would not have been able to convert.
Microbial degradation PFAS
The expert group is actively exploring the potential for microbial degradation of PFAS. This involves identifying organisms that can convert PFAS and then accelerate this conversion in a laboratory setting. In addition, the researchers are looking at whether they can combine microbial degradation with chemical methods to allow efficient removal of these 'forever chemicals' from wastewater, i.e. preventing PFAS from entering the environment. Kuipers also talked about the development of a sensor to detect PFAS in water. There are already several methods for this, but they are expensive and require a laboratory and well-trained staff.
Fast screening method
Aart van Amerongen, a fellow researcher in Wageningen Food & Biobased Research's BioSensing & Diagnostics expertise group, highlights the increasing demand for more affordable preliminary screening methods to detect PFAS. Environmental laboratories and other agencies could thus perform tests more frequently to detect contaminants earlier. Timely identification is crucial for consumers as well, reducing the likelihood of them consuming PFAS-contaminated drinking water.
Proteins
The PFAS sensor provided is based on several proteins that transport thyroid hormone in the blood. PFAS molecules disrupt this binding. This will be used in the test to demonstrate the presence of these molecules. The method is therefore very suitable for issuing an initial warning signal.
This article previously appeared on waterforum.net.