Screening of fluorinated materials degrading microbes

Isolation of bacterial strains capable of degrading fluorinated materials was described. 8 strains of Actinobacteria exhibited degradability of ethyl difluoroacetate (DFAc) was accumulated by bacteria, giving difluoroacetic acid and then fluoride ion. Further, 13 strains of Actinobacteria exhibited degradability of fluorobenzene and/or benzotrifluoride. In batch culture, growth of strains on fluorinated materials led to the release of fluoride ion.