Application of Immobilization Technology in Solubilization of Rock Phosphate

Abstract

Phosphates solubilizing bacterial strains belong to Pantoea, Burkholderia and Enterobacter were isolated and employed in assessing their solubilization ability of Ca phosphate and ER phosphate (Eppawala Rock Phosphate). Among the bacterial strains used, PSB-13 (Pantoea rodasii) showed higher Ca-phosphate solubilization (1100 µg ml -1 ) as well as rock phosphate solubilization (168 µg ml -1 ). The strain was then immobilized in agar to further assess its phosphate solubilization ability. According to the results, agar encapsulated strain solubilized 0.3%, 7.31%, 20.24%, and 20.62% more Ca-phosphate and 11.53%, 15.29%, 28.48%, 36.55% (respectively in 4 cycles) more ER-phosphate than free cells. The reuse efficiency of agar entrapped bacterial cells for Ca-phosphate and ER-phosphate solubilization was greater than that by freely suspended bacterial cells. In conclusion, immobilization could enhance the phosphate solubilization capacity of the strains and thus could be used effectively in enhancing solubilization of ER phosphate.Key words: Pantoea rodasii, Immobilization, Phosphate solubilization, Eppawala rock phosphate

Challenges and Opportunities in Biofertilizer Commercialization

“…For instance, biofertilizer production and formulation must be optimized to ensure stability and effectiveness. Researchers have explored biofertilizer-based methods for improving nitrogen fixation and enhancing phosphate solubilization, through ultraviolet (UV) mutagenesis and immobilization technology [22].…”