Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) known as “forever chemicals” have been linked to a number of health issues. In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labeled a specific PFAS known as perfluoroctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and its salts and isomers as hazardous chemicals.

A recent study published in Science of the Total Environment reports that a bacterial strain known as Labrys portucalensis F11 consumed 96 percent of the PFOS to which it was exposed over a 194 day period at a contaminated industrial site in Portugal. Scientists hope to use F11 to remediate this form of PFAS from the environment.