The objective of this Statement of Need was to develop an improved understanding of biodegradation processes and biological treatment strategies for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the subsurface. Specific research areas of interest included:

• Identification and/or isolation of microorganisms capable of degrading perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA), particularly perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
• Improved understanding of biodegradation processes that could lead to PFAS biological treatment alone or as part of a treatment train.
• Biological treatment strategies capable of destroying PFOS and related PFAA in or extracted from aqueous film-forming foam-contaminated groundwaters.
• Biological treatment strategies to degrade potential PFAA precursors without production of PFAA.
• Identification of enzymes capable of defluorination of PFAA and/or genes coding for such enzymes.

Proposals should have addressed one or more of the objectives listed above. Research and development activities at laboratory-, bench-, and field-scale were considered. Work did not necessarily have to culminate in a field-scale effort.

Funded projects will appear below as project overviews are posted to the website.