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Aspergillus niger Enhances the Efficiency of Sewage Sludge Biochar as a Sustainable Phosphorus Source

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  • Kamila Fernanda Rossati

    (Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rodovia LMG-746, km 1, Bloco 1A-MC, Monte Carmelo 38500-000, MG, Brazil)

  • Cícero Célio de Figueiredo

    (Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, Brasília 70910-970, DF, Brazil)

  • Gilberto de Oliveira Mendes

    (Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Rodovia LMG-746, km 1, Bloco 1A-MC, Monte Carmelo 38500-000, MG, Brazil)

Abstract

Phosphorus-rich biochar derived from sewage sludge (SS) could be a sustainable alternative P source for agriculture. However, most of biochar P is not readily available to plants. We evaluated the potential of P release from SS biochar into soil solution by Aspergillus niger . Additionally, we assessed the effect of SS biochar on the solubilization of phosphate minerals by the fungus. An incubation study was performed for 7 days in shaken flasks containing culture medium supplemented, or not, with a P-fixing soil. Biochar showed a dual role in phosphate solubilization by A. niger : (i) improved solubilization of AlPO 4 and rock phosphate; and (ii) acted as a P source. Aspergillus niger solubilized up to 50% of the P contained in the biochar. A combined application of SS biochar and A. niger increased P availability by 500 times in a solution containing P-fixing soil. These results suggest that P-use efficiency from SS biochar could be improved by A. niger , allowing for the use of lower doses of this soil amendment. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms in the interaction between soil and biochar. Furthermore, the results underpin the potential P fertilizer value of the SS biochar. Finally, our results present a win–win environmental benefit as it reduces SS accumulation and improves P-use efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Kamila Fernanda Rossati & Cícero Célio de Figueiredo & Gilberto de Oliveira Mendes, 2023. "Aspergillus niger Enhances the Efficiency of Sewage Sludge Biochar as a Sustainable Phosphorus Source," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-10, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:8:p:6940-:d:1128318
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dana Cordell & Stuart White, 2011. "Peak Phosphorus: Clarifying the Key Issues of a Vigorous Debate about Long-Term Phosphorus Security," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 3(10), pages 1-23, October.
    2. Johan Rockström & Will Steffen & Kevin Noone & Åsa Persson & F. Stuart Chapin & Eric F. Lambin & Timothy M. Lenton & Marten Scheffer & Carl Folke & Hans Joachim Schellnhuber & Björn Nykvist & Cynthia , 2009. "A safe operating space for humanity," Nature, Nature, vol. 461(7263), pages 472-475, September.
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