Biodecomposition of Jordan Phosphorite by Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungi

Abstract

-The bio-solubilization of Jordan phosphorite by the phosphate-solubilizing fungus Aspergillus niger has been investigated. The effect of the phosphate concentration in the liquid medium, the duration of biodecomposition, titratable acidity and the effect of preliminary mechanical activation on the process of dissolution have been studied. The investigations indicate that almost complete extraction of P 2 O 5 from Jordan Phosphorite in a form utilizable by plants can be achieved. A maximum degree of P 2 O 5 extraction 99.10% was obtained on the 15 -th day in a medium containing 0.5% w/v non-activated Jordan phosphorite. The preliminary mechanical activation of the phosphate facilitates the dissolution until a definite period of the bioconversion. Investigations with mechanically-activated Jordan phosphorite showed that a maximum extent of 92.40% of phosphate solubilization was observed on the 10 -th day at a phosphorite concentration of 0.5% w/v.