The biological detoxication of yellow (white) phosphorus

Abstract

White phosphorus is one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants. However, it is used in industry and for military purposes; therefore, it is impossible to overlook the fact that this substance is constantly released into the environment. In our works, cultures of microorganisms growing in media with a content of white phosphorus up to 1% were obtained for the first time. This exceeds the TLV in wastewater by 5000 times! These cultures are unique, and they are only in our possession. For the first time, cultures were grown in media containing white phosphorus as the sole source of phosphorus. In these environments, microorganisms grew without experiencing phosphorus starvation. That is, they oxidized white phosphorus to phosphate, which is necessary for vital activity! This is first ever example of the inclusion of white phosphorus in the biospheric circulation of the phosphorus element.