Advances in biodegradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

Abstract:

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) is a class of hydrocarbons (and derivatives) in which hydrogens are replaced by fluorine atoms. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a representative PFCs. It has many aspects of toxicity for living organisms. Research shows that PFOS almost exists everywhere and makes pollution, and the degradation of PFOS becomes an urgent problem. However, PFOS has high stability to be degraded. In particular, studies of successful PFOS biodegradation are limited. Here, we introduce the developing status and highlight challenges of PFOS degradation. In addition, we suggest potential pathways for PFOS biodegradation.

Key words:Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), Biodegradation, Metabolic mechanism, Synthetic biology