Researchers have discovered a bacterium that can biodegrade chemicals that are persistent in the environment and that may cause harmful effects in humans and animals. 

Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS (per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are persistent in global water supplies, soil, and air, as well as in the blood of a large majority of people and animals in the United States.

Peter Jaffé, William L. Knapp '47 Professor of Civil Engineering, is leading efforts to develop technologies that harness bacterial activity to remove PFAS from soil and water.