Princeton professor Peter Jaffé will recount his research group’s discovery of a novel bacterium with the surprising ability to degrade the group of ubiquitous and resilient chemical pollutants known a “forever chemicals.”

Peter Jaffé, the William L. Knapp ’47 Professor of Civil Engineering and professor of civil and environmental engineering, will recount his research group’s discovery of the novel bacterium Acidimicrobium sp. Strain A6, which has the surprising ability to degrade the group of chemical pollutants known as per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). Dubbed “forever chemicals” for their incredible molecular stability, these compounds are found in many consumer products and are associated with various health effects, including cancer. Yet, Jaffé’s research has shown that A6 can break PFAS’ chemical bonds through a process called Feammox. Jaffé will discuss his ongoing work, how a specific gene expression gives A6 its power, and how the bacterium could be harnessed to clean up water, soil and sediments contaminated by PFAS. Bess Ward, the William J. Sinclair Professor of Geosciences and the Princeton Environmental Institute, will lead a discussion and Q&A after the main presentation. Jaffé is the second speaker in the Fall 2020 PEI Faculty Seminar Series, which is open to the public. This event will be held online via Zoom webinar — register here to receive a webinar link.

This event is organized by the Princeton Environmental Institute.