Biodegradability of trifluoroacetic acid

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a product of the atmospheric oxidation of several man-made fluorine-containing organic compounds. The environmental fate of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is poorly understood. There are no known abiotic sinks for TFA, and there is a controversy on its biological fate. To provide insight into the environmental fate of TFA, a long-term (90-week) study was conducted to assess its biodegradability in an engineered anaerobic reactor. Trifluoroacetic acid was found to be cometabolically degradable in an anaerobic environment. Biodegradation is a potential sink for trifluoroacetic acid, and may limit its accumulation in the environment.