Biological Degradation of Yellow (White) Phosphorus, a Compound of First Class Hazard

Biodegradation is an important method for the purification of industrial sewage and environment from chemical wastes. The biodegradation of elemental yellow (white) phosphorus was observed only in our studies. It is one of the most hazardous contaminants of environment. White phosphorus and its transformation products are used in industry, agriculture, drug manufacture, and military. For the first time, we have obtained cultures of microorganisms growing in media containing white phosphorus in concentration much higher than the threshold limit concentration in sewage. Elemental phosphorus is the strongest poison as reduced compounds and phosphate esters. However, in completely oxidized state (inorganic phosphates) it is a biogenic element necessary for all forms of life. Earth biomass consists of phosphorus almost by 3%. Prospects of the biodegradation of toxic phosphorus compounds, and elemental phosphorus are huge. The practical implementation of new deactivation method showing a number of advantages will allow one to reduce considerably fines imposed on plants producing and consuming yellow phosphorus.