MAGPI - The use of MAGnetic bacteria for inorganic Phosphate recovery from Impaired waters

Can we use magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) for phosphate (P) recovery, taking advantages of the fact that they are selectively harvested using magnetic force? P is required as a fertilizer for food production and derives from mined rocks. Scientists estimate accessible, high-grade P will be depleted within 50 years. The natural P biogeochemical cycle is out of balance, leading to eutrophication. There is an urgent need for sustainable sources of P. Attention has been given to biological P recovery from wastewater by means of poly-P accumulating organisms, where biomass is removed by settling, which is an uncontrolled process. MTB are found in natural aquatic systems. Intracellular magnetic structures function as compass needles allowing MTB to migrate across oxic-anoxic interfaces using Earth´s geomagnetic field lines. The ability of MTB to store poly-P has been described. Yet, their metabolic lifestyle, the mechanisms and controls of P storage are unresolved. This project will identify, culture and characterize MTB with P accumulating abilities with the ultimo goal to investigate the ability of MTB to sequester and store P from wastewater.