Solubilization of phosphorus by isolated fungus of iron ore tailings

Abstract

In view of the high technological expectations in the mining sector today, an inability of miners to reach their totality in the use of minerals present in nature is verified, and this is caused primarily by the use of methods considered fallible in the mining process. In view of this condition, it is necessary to develop new technologies with innovative behavior, seeking more productive forms. Among the existing technologies, a study with a technological and promising view is proposed, which deals with the process of phosphorus biosolubilization from a synthetic source considered insoluble by a fungus isolated from iron ore. Genetic tests revealed that the microorganism belongs to the Aspergillus genus, that is, the Aspergillus terreus species. The analytical tests proposed in this study pointed to a solubilization of 90.93 % of phosphorus by fungal biomass, which corresponds to 296.56 mg L-1 of soluble phosphorus, occurring in a 168 hour process, accounting for an average solubilization of 1,76 mg h-1. The biosolubilization process proved to be a great technological alternative in reducing production costs and establishing the sustainability of the mineral extraction system, being a viable alternative in purifying and adding value to iron ore, and also in obtaining another compound consisting of phosphorus, generating a new economic source, as an example in the production of fertilizers.