The wood-rotting fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, was used to biodegrade 6:2 Fluorotelomer alcohol [6:2 FTOH, F(CF2)5CH2CH2COOH] in laboratory studies.  6:2 FTOH is used as water, oil, and stain repellant.  During a product's lifecycle, 6:2 FTOH can be released into the environment and contribute to the formation of poly- and perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs).  Certain PFCAs, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are regarded as reproductive toxicants, endocrine disruptors, and potential carcinogens.  Thus, it is necessary to understand the fate of their precursors and to develop waste treatment strategies.  In this study, P. chrysosporium was able to biotransform 80�90% 6:2 FTOH over 28 days.  The concentrations of lignocellulosic powder, cellulose, glucose, and sulfate influenced the yields of intermediates and end-products, indicating conditions favorable for biotransformation of 6:2 FTOH towards less toxic and more degradable polyfluorocarboxylic acids.  In addition, this study demonstrated that fungi can be used in remediation of 6:2 FTOH-contaminated sites.

6:2 Fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) biodegradation by the white-rot fungus, <i>Phanerochaete chrysosporium</i>

248th National Meeting (2014)

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6:2 Fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH) biodegradation by the white-rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium