Enzyme-Catalysed Remediation of PFAS and Other ‘Forever Chemicals’
Summary
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often known as “forever chemicals,” represent one of the most persistent and problematic groups of pollutants ever released into the environment. Their extreme stability and resistance to natural degradation have made them a major global concern for soil, groundwater and ecosystems. Traditional remediation techniques—such as excavation, incineration or containment—are costly, disruptive, and rarely succeed in eliminating PFAS entirely.
This article explains how enzyme-based technologies, such as those developed by BioGlobe, are emerging as an effective and sustainable route for tackling PFAS contamination. It explores the underlying chemistry of PFAS, the reasons for their environmental persistence, and how bespoke enzyme systems can be engineered to catalyse the breakdown of these seemingly indestructible compounds. It also sets out an illustrative field scenario, examines technical challenges, and considers the regulatory and environmental implications for landowners, developers and local authorities across the United Kingdom.
By the end, readers will understand why BioGlobe’s organic, plant-based enzyme remediation solutions represent a practical, environmentally responsible and forward-looking approach to addressing one of the toughest contamination challenges of our time.
Introduction
Across Europe and the United Kingdom, the conversation about environmental contamination has shifted from visible pollution—oil spills, litter, sewage—to invisible yet highly persistent chemical residues that quietly accumulate over decades. Among the most concerning of these are PFAS: a broad class of man-made chemicals designed for resistance to heat, water and oil.
PFAS were first developed in the 1940s and rapidly found use in countless industrial and consumer applications, from non-stick cookware and waterproof fabrics to firefighting foams and stain-resistant coatings. Their stability, once considered an asset, is now recognised as their most troubling feature. PFAS resist breakdown by sunlight, heat, bacteria, or chemical oxidation, meaning that once released into soil or water, they can persist for decades, if not centuries.
At BioGlobe, our mission is to bring natural science and biotechnology together to heal polluted ecosystems. Operating from our research laboratory in Cyprus and our UK base at bioglobe.co.uk, we focus on organic enzyme-based remediation—a sustainable, plant-derived alternative to traditional chemical or physical clean-up methods. Our formulations are entirely harmless to the environment and can even be used in aquatic environments without harming fish or microorganisms.
In this article, we demonstrate how BioGlobe’s expertise in bespoke enzyme engineering can be applied to one of the most stubborn pollutants of all: PFAS. We explain why these chemicals are so difficult to treat, how enzyme catalysis offers a breakthrough pathway, and what this means for the future of land remediation and environmental recovery in the UK and beyond.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They So Problematic?
The Chemistry Behind Their Persistence
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of over 12,000 known synthetic compounds that share a common structural feature: chains of carbon atoms fully or partially bonded to fluorine. The carbon–fluorine (C–F) bond is exceptionally strong—among the most stable single covalent bonds in organic chemistry. It takes a large amount of energy to break, meaning that natural environmental processes rarely succeed in doing so.
This chemical durability gives PFAS their remarkable performance characteristics: they repel water and oil, resist corrosion, and remain stable at high temperatures. Unfortunately, the same qualities that make PFAS commercially valuable make them a persistent environmental hazard. Once they enter the environment, they do not readily degrade, dissolve or volatilise. Instead, they accumulate in soil, groundwater, rivers, and even the human body.
Environmental Pathways and Persistence
PFAS are mobile pollutants. When discharged into the environment—whether through industrial processes, landfill leachate, firefighting foams or wastewater effluent—they migrate through multiple pathways. In soils, PFAS molecules can bind tightly to organic matter and clay minerals, making them difficult to extract. At the same time, some PFAS are water-soluble, allowing them to leach into groundwater systems and travel long distances from the original contamination source.
They are also known to bioaccumulate: small aquatic organisms absorb PFAS, which are then consumed by larger species, leading to biomagnification up the food chain. As a result, PFAS residues have been detected in wildlife, livestock and human bloodstreams, even in regions far removed from direct industrial activity.
Because they are not easily broken down by sunlight, microbes or oxidation, PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” They can remain in soil or groundwater for decades, creating long-term contamination and liability issues for landowners and public authorities.
Health and Regulatory Concerns
The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are increasingly well-documented. Scientific studies have linked long-term PFAS exposure to hormonal imbalances, liver and kidney stress, immune system suppression, developmental effects, and certain cancers. Even at extremely low concentrations, some PFAS have been shown to interfere with human metabolic and endocrine systems.
In response, regulators around the world are tightening standards. In the UK, the Environment Agency has introduced stricter monitoring requirements for PFAS in drinking water and soil, while the European Union is moving toward comprehensive restrictions on PFAS manufacture and use. This regulatory tightening will likely increase the number of sites requiring assessment, monitoring and eventual remediation.
Why Traditional Remediation Methods Struggle with PFAS
Despite the urgent need for cleanup, most conventional remediation techniques fall short when applied to PFAS. Unlike hydrocarbons, heavy metals or biological waste, PFAS are not easily oxidised, reduced, or biodegraded. The options currently available include:
- Excavation and off-site disposal: Digging up contaminated soil and transporting it to a landfill may seem straightforward, but it merely relocates the problem. Landfill leachate can reintroduce PFAS to the environment, and the process is disruptive, costly and carbon-intensive.
- Containment or immobilisation: Barriers or sorbents (such as activated carbon or ion exchange resins) can temporarily trap PFAS, but they do not destroy the molecules. Over time, sorption capacity is exhausted, requiring regeneration or replacement, and disposal of used media creates further waste challenges.
- Thermal treatment or incineration: High-temperature destruction of PFAS is technically possible, but temperatures exceeding 1,000°C are often required. These energy-intensive processes produce greenhouse gases and may generate toxic fluorinated by-products if not properly controlled.
- Chemical oxidation and reduction: Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can degrade certain organic pollutants but are largely ineffective against the C–F bond. Attempts to force oxidation may lead to partial transformation products that retain toxicity or mobility.
- Biological methods: Traditional microbial bioremediation has been successful for many organic pollutants, but PFAS’s unique structure resists enzymatic attack by naturally occurring microorganisms.
In short, existing approaches either move PFAS elsewhere, encapsulate it, or rely on destructive processes that are costly and energy-hungry. None align perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable, ecosystem-friendly remediation.
Enzyme-Based Remediation: A Promising Direction
The Role of Enzymes in Environmental Clean-up
Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They are highly selective, acting on specific bonds or functional groups under mild environmental conditions. In nature, enzymes drive the breakdown of organic matter, enabling soil regeneration, nutrient cycling and detoxification.
In the context of remediation, enzymes can be harnessed to target pollutants that are otherwise resistant to degradation. By initiating or accelerating chemical transformations, they convert contaminants into less harmful compounds that can then be mineralised or assimilated by the natural ecosystem.
How Enzymes Can Target PFAS
Recent advances in biotechnology and enzyme engineering have revealed that certain classes of enzymes—particularly oxidative enzymes such as peroxidases and laccases—can catalyse reactions that initiate defluorination of PFAS. These enzymes can generate reactive radical species capable of attacking the carbon–fluorine bond, a crucial first step in breaking down these resilient molecules.
While complete mineralisation of PFAS remains a challenge, enzyme systems can transform them into shorter-chain intermediates that are more biodegradable or less bioaccumulative. When supported by mediators, stabilisers or immobilisation on carrier materials, enzyme activity can be enhanced and extended in real-world soil or water environments.
Why This Approach Fits BioGlobe’s Expertise
At BioGlobe, we already design and produce bespoke multi-enzyme formulations for a range of pollutants, including hydrocarbons, oils, and organic waste. Our enzymes are entirely organic and plant-based, designed for safe application across soil, freshwater and marine settings.
Our in-house R&D capabilities allow us to tailor enzyme systems to specific pollutants and environmental conditions—adjusting pH stability, temperature tolerance, and substrate specificity. Applying this philosophy to PFAS represents a natural evolution of our technology.
Instead of relying on off-the-shelf products, we engineer custom enzyme blends that directly target the molecular features of the contamination. This precision means higher efficiency, faster reaction rates, and compatibility with the unique conditions of each site.
Illustrative Case Scenario: PFAS Contamination at a Former Industrial Site
To demonstrate the process, consider a representative example drawn from real-world conditions in the UK.
The Situation
A former manufacturing facility—once used for metal plating and fire safety training—has been identified as having PFAS-contaminated soils due to historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Laboratory testing confirms elevated concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in surface and sub-surface soils, as well as low levels in groundwater.
Excavation would be costly, logistically complex, and likely to trigger secondary pollution through dust and runoff. Off-site incineration is rejected due to expense and carbon footprint. The landowner seeks a sustainable, in-situ solution compatible with redevelopment plans for mixed residential and commercial use.
BioGlobe’s Approach
- Comprehensive Site Assessment:
Soil and water samples are collected to determine PFAS species, concentration gradients, pH, organic matter content and moisture levels. - Bespoke Enzyme Design:
Based on laboratory data, BioGlobe’s R&D team in Cyprus formulates a customised enzyme blend. This may include oxidative enzymes supported by cofactors and stabilising agents designed to catalyse defluorination under the specific site conditions. - In-situ Application:
The enzyme blend is introduced into the contaminated soil using low-pressure injection or surface mixing. Because the solution is organic and biodegradable, no special containment is required. - Monitoring and Optimisation:
Periodic sampling measures PFAS concentrations, fluoride ion release (evidence of defluorination), and indicators of soil microbial activity. Adjustments to enzyme concentration or moisture management ensure optimal catalytic performance. - Verification and Restoration:
Over several months, PFAS levels decline significantly, allowing the land to meet regulatory thresholds for redevelopment. Soil fertility is restored, and natural microbial activity resumes.
Why This Works
BioGlobe’s approach succeeds where conventional methods struggle because it tackles the pollutant chemically and biologically, rather than physically. The enzyme system initiates real molecular breakdown, not just immobilisation. Moreover, the process is non-destructive, preserving soil structure, biodiversity and long-term fertility.
Addressing Key Challenges
1. Enzyme Stability
In the field, enzymes must remain active under fluctuating conditions of temperature, pH, and soil chemistry. BioGlobe addresses this through the inclusion of stabilising agents and immobilisation techniques that extend enzyme lifespan. By binding enzymes to carrier materials or encapsulating them within biodegradable matrices, we ensure consistent performance over extended periods.
2. Site Heterogeneity
No two contaminated sites are identical. Soil texture, mineral composition, moisture levels and contaminant distribution all vary. BioGlobe’s laboratory analysis identifies these parameters before formulating the enzyme blend. This bespoke design allows for adaptation to local conditions—ensuring efficacy even in complex or layered soil profiles.
3. Cost and Scale
While enzyme-based remediation is highly technical, its deployment can be cost-competitive when measured against excavation, transport and disposal costs. Furthermore, the reduction in long-term liability and the avoidance of secondary waste make it an economically attractive option for developers and public authorities.
4. Regulatory Acceptance
PFAS regulation is evolving rapidly. BioGlobe supports clients by providing analytical data, progress monitoring and compliance documentation. Our methodologies are aligned with best-practice environmental management principles, helping clients demonstrate due diligence to regulators and stakeholders.
Regulatory and Environmental Implications
PFAS contamination has become one of the defining environmental issues of the 21st century. Governments across Europe and the UK are tightening monitoring and cleanup requirements. Landowners and developers now face increasing obligations to identify and remediate sites contaminated with PFAS or similar persistent organic pollutants.
The regulatory trajectory is clear: tolerance for “containment-only” approaches is diminishing. Authorities are prioritising technologies that achieve actual pollutant destruction or transformation, with minimal collateral environmental damage.
BioGlobe’s enzyme-based solutions align perfectly with this shift. They deliver genuine contaminant breakdown without secondary pollution or hazardous by-products. Moreover, because the enzymes are biodegradable, there is no requirement for recovery or post-treatment disposal.
For environmentally conscious developers, municipalities, and infrastructure operators, adopting BioGlobe’s organic enzyme remediation demonstrates both environmental responsibility and regulatory foresight—reducing future liability as standards continue to tighten.
Problem, Consequences and Solution
The Problem
PFAS and other forever chemicals represent one of the toughest challenges in environmental remediation. Their chemical resilience defies traditional methods, creating long-term contamination of soils, waterways and ecosystems.
The Consequences
- Ongoing liability for landowners and developers due to contamination.
- Loss of land value and restricted redevelopment potential.
- Risk of groundwater pollution and uptake by crops or livestock.
- Reputational harm for organisations associated with environmental negligence.
The Solution: BioGlobe’s Organic Enzyme Bioremediation
BioGlobe’s enzyme remediation technology offers a sustainable, science-based answer to this global problem:
- Plant-Based and Harmless: Our enzyme blends are entirely organic and biodegradable, safe for plants, animals and aquatic life.
- Bespoke Formulation: Each project benefits from tailored enzyme design, ensuring maximum efficacy under site-specific conditions.
- In-Situ Application: Minimal disruption to land use, avoiding large-scale excavation or waste transport.
- Molecular Breakdown: Our approach directly targets pollutant molecules, transforming them into harmless products rather than displacing them.
- Regulatory Compliance: Continuous monitoring and analytical reporting provide transparent, auditable evidence of successful remediation.
This holistic solution restores both environmental health and economic potential, enabling landowners to bring contaminated sites back into productive or regenerative use.
The Broader Environmental Value
Beyond compliance and cost-effectiveness, enzyme remediation represents a paradigm shift in how we think about pollution control. Instead of fighting nature with aggressive chemicals or energy-intensive technologies, we are working with natural processes to accelerate healing.
Enzymes act as catalysts for ecological regeneration. Their gentle yet powerful action allows for restoration rather than destruction. As the global community moves towards net-zero targets and circular-economy principles, such approaches will become central to sustainable land management.
BioGlobe’s commitment to developing these technologies reflects our broader philosophy: that nature itself provides the tools to repair the damage of industrial activity. With continued research and collaboration, enzyme-based remediation has the potential to become a cornerstone of green technology worldwide.
Conclusion
PFAS and other forever chemicals present one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our generation. Their extreme stability and ubiquity demand innovative, sustainable solutions that go beyond containment or displacement.
BioGlobe’s organic enzyme remediation approach offers precisely that innovation—a way to address pollution at the molecular level while preserving the ecological balance of the environment. By combining scientific rigour, bespoke formulation, and environmental ethics, we are pioneering a practical pathway for the safe and sustainable remediation of contaminated land and water.
For landowners, developers and public authorities, this means not only meeting regulatory requirements but also taking a proactive role in restoring the planet’s natural systems. The future of remediation is not just about cleaning up—it’s about regenerating. BioGlobe stands ready to lead that transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly are PFAS and why should I be concerned?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in thousands of everyday products for their water- and oil-resistant properties. Their chemical stability makes them extremely persistent in the environment, where they can contaminate soil, groundwater and food chains. Exposure has been linked to health risks such as immune suppression and certain cancers.
2. Can enzymes really break down PFAS?
Yes, although PFAS are resistant to most natural degradation, specific enzymes—particularly oxidative types—can initiate reactions that weaken or break the carbon–fluorine bond. BioGlobe’s formulations are designed to catalyse these reactions efficiently under real-world conditions.
3. How long does enzyme remediation take?
The timeline depends on the extent of contamination and local conditions. Noticeable reductions may be achieved within months, with continued improvement over one to three years. Unlike mechanical methods, enzyme remediation works gradually but sustainably, without disruption to the site.
4. Will enzyme treatments harm plants or animals?
No. BioGlobe’s enzyme solutions are plant-based, biodegradable and environmentally neutral. They are completely harmless to flora, fauna and aquatic life, and naturally degrade into simple amino acids after their work is done.
5. Can the land be reused after treatment?
Yes. Once PFAS levels fall below regulatory thresholds and soil health is confirmed, the land can safely be redeveloped or returned to agricultural use. BioGlobe supports post-remediation monitoring to ensure compliance and safety.
Bioglobe offer Organic Enzyme pollution remediation for major oil-spills, oceans and coastal waters, marinas and inland water, sewage and nitrate remediation and agriculture and brown-field sites, throughout the UK and Europe.
We have created our own Enzyme based bioremediation in our own laboratory in Cyprus and we are able to create bespoke variants for maximum efficacy.
Our team are able to identify the pollution, we then assess the problem, conduct site tests and send samples to our lab where we can create a bespoke variant, we then conduct a pilot test and proceed from there.
Our Enzyme solutions are available around the world, remediation pollution organically without any harm to the ecosystem.
For further information:
BioGlobe LTD (UK),
Phone: +44(0) 116 4736303| Email: info@bioglobe.co.uk