F11 Bacteria : Study
A recent study shows that the bacterial strain Labrys portucalensis F11 (F11) can breakdown the strong carbon-fluorine bonds in polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or forever chemicals.
- F11 bacteria (Labrys portucalensis) are a strain of aerobic bacterium from the Xanthobacteraceae family.
- They have adapted to survive in harsh, polluted environments by using contaminants as energy sources.
- These bacteria were originally isolated from contaminated industrial soil in Portugal.
- They can break down and transform at least three types of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and some of the toxic byproducts.
Forever chemicals:
- These are toxic, man-made, hazardous chemicals that have dangerous effects on the environment and our health.
- They are called “forever chemicals” because of their tendency to stick around in the atmosphere, rainwater and soil for long periods of time.
- They are known to stay in the environment virtually forever and contribute to environmental degradation which adversely impacts the health of all organisms including human beings.
- They can migrate to the soil, water and air during their production and use.
- They are listed in the Stockholm Convention.
