PHOSPHOROUS CYCLE

SUBJECT: MICROBIOLOGY

SUBMITTED TO: Dr. IFRAH

SUBMITTED BY: NAMREEN MUNAWAR (1821), ZUMER ZAHID (1867),

SYEDA FATIMA HASSAN (1647), AREEBA ABID (1858), HABIBA ABUBAKAR

(1860), MAHNOOR IMRAN (1871)

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INTRODUCTION:

Phosphorus cycle in microbiology refers to the movement of phosphorus through

various biological and geological processes in ecosystems.

Importance of phosphorus in ecosystem:

Phosphorus is a crucial element in the ecosystem, plays a vital role in various biological
processes. Bacteria, particularly in soil, are key players in the phosphorus cycle. It contribute
to:

1. Nutrient Cycling: Bacteria help break down organic matter, releasing phosphorus
from decaying plants and animals. This cycling process ensures the availability of
phosphorus for plants, forming a nutrient loop in the ecosystem.
2. Mineralization: Bacteria aid in the mineralization of organic phosphorus compounds,
converting them into inorganic forms that plants can absorb. This is essential for plant
growth and development.(as shown in fig: 1.1)

Fig:1.1

PHOSPHOROUS SOURCES

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1. Geological source: Phosphorus in the environment primarily comes from

geological sources like rocks and minerals, where it is released through
weathering processes. This released phosphorus can then enter the phosphorus
cycle. In microbiology, bacteria play a crucial role in this cycle. Certain bacteria
are involved in mineralization .Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, Rhizobium sp, and
Escherichia sp, form the largest microbial communities with phosphorus
solubilization abilities in soil.
2. Weathering source: Phosphorus is present in rocks and minerals, particularly
in the form of phosphate minerals like apatite. Over time, geological processes
such as weathering break down these rocks, releasing phosphorus into the soil.
This weathering can occur through physical processes like erosion or chemical
processes involving water and other agents.
3. Organic matter: Organic Phosphates compounds such as inositol phosphates,
nucleic acids, and phospholipids present in organic matter can be mineralized
during organic matter decomposition, thereby increasing phosphate availability
and acting as a phosphate source for future crops.
PHOSPHOROUS UPTAKE BY PLANTS

Plants primarily absorb phosphorus in the form of phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻) from the
soil. This process involves the interaction between plant roots and soil microorganisms.
Mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role by forming symbiotic associations with plant roots,
enhancing phosphorus uptake.

Bacteria, especially phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), contribute to

phosphorus availability. These bacteria release organic acids and enzymes that break down
insoluble phosphates into forms plants can absorb. Examples of such bacteria include
Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium.

In addition, some nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Rhizobium can form nodules on

legume roots, aiding in phosphorus acquisition indirectly. Overall, the symbiotic relationships
between plants and soil microorganisms play a vital role in facilitating phosphorus uptake (as
shown in fig:1.2)

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Fig:1.2

EUTRIOPHICATION

‘The process by which an entire water body enrich with minerals particularly nitrogen and
phosphorus’. Phosphorus is usually considered the “limiting nutrient” in aquatic ecosystems,
meaning that the available quantity of this nutrient controls the pace at which algae and
aquatic plants are produced.

A. Excess phosphorus in water bodies:

Due to human activities such as fertilizers, distribution of food products and runoff the rate
of phosphorus increases in water bodies.

B. Environmental Consequences:
The most conspicuous effect of cultural eutrophication is the creation of dense blooms of
noxious, foul-smelling phytoplankton that reduce water clarity and harm water quality. In a
balanced ecosystem, phytoplankton(i.e. cyanobacteria, diatoms, and dinoflagellates have
chlorophyll) provide food for a wide range of sea creatures including shrimp, snails, and
jellyfish. When too many nutrients are available, phytoplankton may grow out of control and
form harmful algal blooms (HABs). These blooms can produce extremely toxic compounds
that have harmful effects on fish, shellfish, mammals, birds, and even people. High
phosphorus inputs also favor the dominance of phytoplankton by blue-green algae. These
organisms often form undesirable surface scums and are subject to massive die-offs. The
decay of dead algal cells can cause dissolved oxygen depletion and massive fish kills. Blue-

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green algae also produce compounds that, when absorbed by culture species, cause off-flavor
in edible tissue.

Aerobic bacteria(that use oxygen for a living): Nocardia sp will use all available dissolved
oxygen in the process of decomposing this material.When these dense algal blooms
eventually die, microbial decomposition severely depletes dissolved oxygen, creating a
hypoxic or anoxic ‘dead zone' lacking sufficient oxygen to support most organisms. Dead
zones are found in many freshwater lakes.(as shown in fig:1.3)

Fig:1.3

HUMAN IMPACT ON THE PHOSPHOROUS CYCLE

Synthetic fertilizers: Synthetic fertilizers are the main way human impact the
phosphorus cycle. The phosphate in the fertilizer is not fully utilized by plants and as
a result, leftover phosphate remains in the plant’s water supply this remaining
phosphate leaves as water run-off.

Misuse of animal waste fertilizers: If animal wastes or manure are carelessly

applied during the winter, they won’t be utilized by plants. Then, during the spring,
the ice may thaw and the phosphates may turn into run-off.

Municipal sewage plants: Also, supply phosphates to the water. If not treated, the
phosphates in our sewage will not be removed and will remain in our water supply.

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The impact of our actions: Excessive phosphorus in our water supplies can have
negative consequences for humans. It can result in excessive plant growth. This can in
turn clog our water pipes and filters and interfere with human activities (as shown in
fig:1.4).

Fig:1.4

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

Organic Matter Management: Maintaining organic matter in soils promotes bacterial activity,
facilitating the release of phosphorus.

1. Crop Rotation: Alternating crops helps balance nutrient demands and prevents
depletion, optimizing phosphorus use efficiency.
2. Wastewater Treatment: Bacteria play a role in wastewater treatment, recycling
phosphorus and preventing its discharge into water bodies, where it can cause
environmental issues.
3. Biofertilizers: Using phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria as biofertilizers enhances
nutrient availability for plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
4. Microbes: Microbes play various roles in conservation and management, particularly
in areas like agriculture and environmental sustainability. Some examples include:
I. Soil Microbes:
 Mycorrhizal Fungi: Enhance nutrient uptake for plants, promoting soil fertility.

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 Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria: Convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants,

aiding in nitrogen cycling.
II. Wastewater Treatment:
 Bacteria and Archaea: Break down organic matter, contributing to the purification of
water in treatment plants.
 Bioremediation: Oil-Eating Bacteria assist in cleaning up oil spills by breaking down
hydrocarbons.
 Metal-Metabolizing Bacteria: Help remediate areas contaminated with heavy metals.
III. Agriculture:
 Beneficial Microbes: Probiotic bacteria and fungi enhance plant health, protect against
diseases, and improve nutrient availability.
IV. Conservation of Endangered Species:
 Microbiota Transfer: In captive breeding programs, transferring microbiota from wild
counterparts to captive individuals can aid in their health and survival upon release.
CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the phosphorus cycle plays a crucial role in ecosystem functioning, involving
various biogeochemical processes. Key points include the essential nature of phosphorus for
living organisms, it’s cycling through soil, water, and biological systems, and the impact of
human activities on altering this cycle.

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