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Biological formation of volatile phosphorus compounds
1Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology, Faculty of Applied and Biological Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium.
Bioresource Technology
|August 14, 2001
Summary
Microbial activity produces phosphine, a gaseous phosphorus compound found globally in the environment. Its biological generation is thermodynamically favorable, unlike other microbial processes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Phosphine and phosphides are prevalent in diverse environmental matrices like sediments, soils, and landfills.
- Concentrations of these compounds are significantly below exposure standards, measured in ng/m³ or ng/kg.
- Biological formation of gaseous phosphorus compounds has a long research history marked by initial skepticism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbial production of gaseous phosphorus compounds.
- To explore the thermodynamic feasibility of phosphine generation.
- To examine the potential link between these compounds and metal corrosion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized advanced analytical techniques, including gas chromatography, for atmospheric analysis.
- Cultivated pure microbial strains under strict anaerobic conditions.
- Performed thermodynamic calculations to assess the energy requirements for phosphine synthesis.
Main Results:
- Confirmed phosphine as a global atmospheric constituent.
- Demonstrated that pure microbial strains produce phosphine under anaerobic conditions.
- Thermodynamic analysis suggests phosphine production from phosphate is not endergonic.
Conclusions:
- Microbial production of phosphine is thermodynamically feasible and occurs under anaerobic conditions.
- Gaseous phosphorus compounds may be linked to increased metal corrosion.
- The specific biochemical pathways for gaseous phosphorus compound production remain uncharacterized.