Abstract: Poly and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) are extremely resistant to natural degradation. Described herein are compositions, assays, and methods for generating microorganisms capable of accelerating degradation of these products using a directed evolution strategy. A minimal media including the target carbon source of interest, creates selective pressure for microorganisms capable of degradation. Extremely slow growth rates on these alternative carbon sources is nevertheless measureable using automated image capture and processing pipeline allows one to observe very small changes in cell growth over the course of a very long period of time, thereby identifying microorganisms that could not otherwise be identified.