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Breakthrough Bacteria Detoxifies Toxic Dry-Cleaning Chemical

3/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Bacteria from sewage plants hold the key to detoxifying tetrachloroethene, a toxic dry-cleaning chemical, according to researchers at the National University of Singapore. In a groundbreaking study of 84 sludge samples from 38 wastewater treatment facilities across China, Singapore, and the US, they discovered that 63 samples effectively transformed the harmful substance into harmless ethene, showcasing a promising solution for cleaning contaminated groundwater.

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Story summary

Bacteria from sewage plants hold the key to detoxifying tetrachloroethene, a toxic dry-cleaning chemical, according to researchers at the National University of Singapore. In a groundbreaking study of 84 sludge samples from 38 wastewater treatment facilities across China, Singapore, and the US, they discovered that 63 samples effectively transformed the harmful substance into harmless ethene, showcasing a promising solution for cleaning contaminated groundwater.