Research and engineering assessment of biological solubilization of phosphate
This research and engineering assessment examined a microbial phosphate solubilization process as a method of recovering phosphate from phosphorus containing ore compared to the existing wet acid and electric arc methods. A total of 860 microbial isolates, collected from a range of natural environments were tested for their ability to solubilize phosphate from rock phosphate. A bacterium (Pseudomonas cepacia) was selected for extensive characterization and evaluation of the mechanism of phosphate solubilization and of process engineering parameters necessary to recover phosphate from rock phosphate. These studies found that concentration of hydrogen ion and production of organic acids arising from oxidation of the carbon source facilitated microbial solubilization of both pure chemical insoluble phosphate compounds and phosphate rock. Genetic studies found that phosphate solubilization was linked to an enzyme system (glucose dehydrogenase). Process-related studies found that a critical solids density of 1% by weight (ore to liquid) was necessary for optimal solubilization. An engineering analysis evaluated the cost and energy requirements for a 2 million ton per year sized plant, whose size was selected to be comparable to existing wet acid plants.
- Research Organization:
- EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-76ID01570
- OSTI ID:
- 10141439
- Report Number(s):
- EGG--2698; ON: DE93010368
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOCONVERSION
ECONOMICS
ENZYME ACTIVITY
FILTRATION
HYDROGEN
INDUSTRIAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
LEACHING
MATERIALS RECOVERY
MICROBIOLOGY
ORES
ORGANIC ACIDS
OXIDOREDUCTASES
PHOSPHATES
PSEUDOMONAS
ROCKS
SOLUBILITY