{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260101741"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260101741","attributes":{"code":"DE260101741","administering-organisation":"The University of Queensland","announcement-administering-organisation":"The University of Queensland","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-04-21","anticipated-end-date":"2029-04-20","grant-summary":"Microbially-mediated defluorination of high-priority PFAS. This project aims to innovatively investigate microbial biodegradation of recalcitrant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as toxic forever chemicals. By exploring largely unknown microbial defluorination pathways for perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), it will demonstrate microbial defluorination feasibility, elucidate metabolic mechanisms, and characterise kinetic properties. Additionally, innovative, cost-effective, and synergistic remediation strategies will be developed. These findings will bridge critical knowledge gaps, providing groundbreaking insights into microbial defluorination, enabling predictive modeling of PFAS behavior, and paving the way for next-generation bioremediation approaches.","funding-current":495097.00,"funding-at-announcement":491279,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Wei","familyName":"Li","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":null}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Wei","familyName":"Li","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":null}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The University of Queensland","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"QLD"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The University of Queensland","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"QLD"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"3107","name":"Microbiology","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"310703","name":"Microbial Ecology","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"400410","name":"Wastewater Treatment Processes","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"410399","name":"Environmental Biotechnology Not Elsewhere Classified","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"110504","name":"Water Services and Utilities","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280111","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Environmental Sciences","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["Hong Kong (SAR of China)","United States of America"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"Given their widespread global usage, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation potential, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pervasive contaminants affecting drinking water, surface waters, livestock, and agricultural products worldwide. This project aims to identify novel microbial processes—either by isolated single microorganisms or enriched mixed cultures—capable of effectively mediating microbial defluorination of highly resistant perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). By elucidating previously uncharacterised microbial biodegradation pathways and defining their metabolic mechanisms and kinetic properties, this research will enable innovative, cost-effective strategies for mitigating PFAA contamination. Project outcomes will underpin the development of efficient microbial remediation technologies for anthropogenic PFAS pollutants in Australia and provide critical theoretical guidance for formulating biodegradable PFAS alternatives. This project contributes to the national interest through its significant environmental and social benefits, aligning with National Science and Research Priorities of Protecting and restoring Australia’s environment and National Reconstruction Fund priority areas of Renewables and low emissions technologies."}}}