Microorganisms Resistant to White Phosphorus

Abstract

We present preliminary results on the successful culturing of different microbial taxonomic groups on media containing white phosphorus (P4) as the sole source of phosphorus. The increase in culture resistance resulting from targeted selection was demonstrated. The highest concentration of P4 used in the study exceeds the threshold limit concentration of P4 in wastewater mud by 5000 times. Putative metabolites of P4 were also investigated. Keywords: biodegradation; white phosphorus; Aspergillus niger; Streptomyces sp. A8