Role of Phosphorous Solubilizing Microbes and their Interaction with Microbial Fuel Cell for the Reduction of Phosphorous in Eutrophic Aquatic Ecosystem

Abstract

Phosphorous (P) is one of the major cause for the eutrophication process in all the water bodies. It can be derived from agricultural runoff or from domestic and industrial wastes. The phosphorous concentration content reduction in the sediment and the water was attempted with the help of microbial fuel cell. A comprehensive study was done with the phosphate rich water along with a control. The study involved a 30-day treatment  of oxidation catalysis of organic matter by bacteria called Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology that has been conducted to reduce the contamination of phosphorous  in the water. The initial parameter measurements of the phosphorous concentration content were found to be reduced by the end of the study when compared with the control. Electricity was also produced as a byproduct as the result of the microbial activity. However, the reduction in the phosphorous concentration content was accomplished with the help of Phosphate Solubilising Microbes such as Actinomyces, Streptomyces. B. mycoides, B. polymyxa, B. coagulans, Anabena sp., Calothrix braunii, Nostoc sp., Scytonema sp., etc. These microorganisms are extracted from the sludge present their natural aquatic environments such as ponds and lakes. Such microbes are allowed to grow in the anode of the MFC which breakdown both the organic and inorganic phosphates present in the water bodies. These phosphate solubilizing microorganisms with the help of Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) could be a promising approach for reducing the phosphate concentration in the eutrophic water bodies.