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

Kamila Fernanda Rossati, Cícero Célio de Figueiredo and Gilberto de Oliveira Mendes ()
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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

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-10

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.

Keywords: biosolids biochar; fertilizer; phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms; phosphate; wastewater (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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