Unlocking Nutrient Potential: Phosphorus Solubilization from Eutrophic Biochar

The study investigates phosphorus solubilization from eutrophic biochar using Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biochar produced at varying pyrolysis temperatures was analyzed for 15 days, revealing organic acids’ role and significant P release, indicating potential for nutrient recovery and sustainable waste management practices.

March 18, 2024

1–2 minutes

Ray, Kumar, et al (2024) Phosphorus recycling mediated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa from eutrophic biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More. Geomicrobiology. https://doi.org/10.1080/01490451.2024.2318244

A recent study investigated the solubilization of Phosphorus (P) enriched biochar, specifically eutrophic biochar, utilizing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCIM 8650). The study utilized previously established methods for producing biochar with lower toxicity and high P content at three different pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More temperatures (400, 600, and 800 °C) using phosphogypsum pond wastewater soaked banana peduncles. The bacteria were inoculated in biochar-loaded Pikovskaya (PVK) broth and analyzed over 15 days for P solubilization, comparing it with a control group without Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The results showed a gradual increase in P solubilization, with maximum values observed on the 9th day for T-B-400 and T-B-600, and on the 11th day for T-B-800. GCMS analysis identified different organic acids, including Carbamic, Propanoic, and Stearic hydrazide, along with significant pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More changes, as major contributors to P solubilization in the modified PVK broth. The study highlighted a significantly higher release of P from T-B-400 (76%) compared to T-B-600 (65%) and T-B-800 (71%) over the control group.

Furthermore, analysis of biochar residues using FE-SEM, FTIR, and XRD revealed distinct morphological, structural, and mineralogical changes, emphasizing the potential for P solubilization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa from eutrophic biochar. These findings suggest opportunities for nutrient recovery from waste materials, offering insights into sustainable resource management practices.