We have recently discovered microbial reductive defluorination of two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) by a dechlorinating enrichment culture. By examining the cell growth and activity, we found that the well-known dechlorinators (e.g., Dehalococcoides spp., Geobacter spp.) in the dechlorinating enrichment were not involved in the reductive defluorination, thus the responsible defluorinating microorganisms might be a minority member in the community. The goal of this study is to enrich and identify the microorganisms carrying out the defluorination of PFASs. We conducted enrichment experiments by providing PFAS and hydrogen as the sole electron acceptor and electron donor. We further conducted 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metagenomic sequencing to reveal the succession of community composition along the enrichment process. Results showed a significant shift of the community structure from the seed culture to the most recent enrichment culture caused by the community function changing from dechlorination to defluorination. More importantly, the phylogenetic groups have been significantly enriched as a response to the enhanced defluorination activity in the enrichment over several subcultures, suggesting their involvement in reductive defluorination. Genome reconstruction will reveal comprehensive metabolic properties of the plausible defluorinating microorganisms. Altogether, by identifying potential defluorinating microorganisms, this study brings significant insights into the development of cost-effective PFASs treatment technologies.

Identification of microorganisms responsible for reductive defluorination of PFASs in an enrichment culture

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.