Abstract

Study on the potential of Micrococcus species to remove phosphorus (P) from Nigeria’s Agbaja iron ore was carried out by submerged culture technique. Findings reveal that Micrococcus species which was originally isolated from the ore samples solubilized phosphorus with 69.66% phosphorus removal rate. The microbe also completely accumulated iron (Fe) and cadmium (Cd) ions found in the medium while the uptake of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) were equally remarkable. However, microbial mortification occurred over time as a consequence of over-accumulation of trace metals and other antimicrobials which reduced further solubilization. The study shows that phosphorus can reasonably be removed by the agent Micrococcus species but its capacity was acutely hampered by a rapid decline in microbial population after the 4^th week of experimentation. Further work is suggested with respect to possibilities of microbial metabolic wastes timely removal and disposal which may prolong the phosphorus removal capability of the microbe.   

Key words: Ore, culture, microbes, biodegradation, phosphorus, serial, dilution.