Wetlands act as nature's kidneys: They trap sediments, absorb excess nutrients and turn pollutants into less harmful substances. Now, the list of pollutants wetland plants can remove includes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). From a greenhouse study, researchers in Environmental Science & Technology report that moisture-loving yellow flag irises and fungi on their roots are a promising combination for PFAS removal. As part of a constructed wetland, this pair could effectively treat contaminated wastewater.

“Our study shows that a type of fungus (Rhizophagus irregularis) boosts wetlands’ ability to remove PFAS and greatly reduces the environmental risks from ‘forever chemicals’ left in the outflowing water,” said Bo Hu, a corresponding author of the research.