Dr. Paul Hatzinger, Ph.D.

PFAS Bioremediation: Inherent Limitations and Future Prospects

Dr. Paul Hatzinger, Ph.D., Director of the Biotechnology Development and Applications Group, APTIM

There are currently few approaches for in situ remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils or groundwater. The recalcitrant nature, diverse structures, and low concentrations of concern limit many traditional technologies developed for the remediation of chlorinated solvents, including chemical oxidation, chemical reduction, and bioremediation. However, recent studies indicate that a variety of different bacteria are capable of appreciably transforming polyfluorinated compounds (precursors), and at least one organism (Acidomicrobium sp. A6) is known that can defluorinate perfluorinated compounds, including PFOS and PFOA. The objective of this presentation is to examine current information on PFAS biotransformation, to compare and contrast microbial biodegradation of chlorinated and fluorinated organics, and to discuss whether or not bioremediation will become an important strategy for PFAS remediation in the future. 

Dr. Paul Hatzinger is the Director of the Biotechnology Development and Applications Group at APTIM.  He holds a PhD from Cornell University and has 27 years of experience studying the fate and remediation of environmental pollutants including PFAS. Dr. Hatzinger has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed journal publications and book chapters and has served as the Principal Investigator (PI) on 37 federal research grants. His most current research includes an examination of biological transformation routes of PFAA precursors, application of situ adsorbents for PFAS sequestration, and the development and field-testing of a high resolution passive profiler for characterizing PFAS distribution in sediments and groundwater.