Fungus unlocks hidden phosphorus from massive industrial waste
Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
image:
Bioextraction of residual phosphorus from phosphogypsum by phosphate-solubilizing fungus Aspergillus niger
view moreCredit: Zhenyu Chao, Haoxuan Li, Jiakai Ji, Xin Sun, Yuhang Sun, Meiyu Xu, Ying Wang, Da Tian, Haoming Chen, Dan Yu & Zhen Li
A common soil fungus may offer a sustainable solution to one of the world’s largest industrial waste problems while helping recover a critical nutrient for agriculture.
Researchers have shown that Aspergillus niger, a naturally occurring phosphate solubilizing fungus, can extract large amounts of residual phosphorus from phosphogypsum, a byproduct of phosphoric acid production that is generated in enormous quantities worldwide. The study demonstrates that more than 40 percent of the phosphorus locked inside this waste material can be recovered through a biological process, offering a promising alternative to energy intensive chemical treatments.
Phosphogypsum is produced during the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers and is typically stored in large stacks that pose long term environmental risks. Globally, about 300 million tons are generated each year, while billions of tons have already accumulated. Although phosphogypsum contains roughly 1 percent phosphorus, most of it exists in insoluble forms that are difficult to reuse.
“Phosphogypsum has long been viewed as a liability, but it actually contains a valuable nutrient that is increasingly scarce,” said Zhen Li, the corresponding author of the study. “Our work shows that microorganisms can help transform this waste into a potential resource.”
In laboratory experiments, the research team incubated phosphogypsum with Aspergillus niger under controlled conditions. Over time, the fungus released organic acids, especially oxalic acid, which reacted with calcium in the waste material. This process reduced the tendency of calcium to bind phosphorus, allowing more phosphorus to dissolve into solution.
After 15 days of incubation, the bioextraction efficiency exceeded 40 percent, compared with only about 10 percent phosphorus release in systems without the fungus. Advanced imaging techniques revealed that much of the released phosphorus was absorbed directly into fungal cells, confirming active biological uptake rather than simple chemical dissolution.
“Our results show that the fungus is not just dissolving phosphorus, but actively using it for growth,” said Li. “This biological demand helps drive the extraction process forward.”
The study also found that sulfate from phosphogypsum contributed to the synthesis of sulfur containing amino acids inside the fungal cells, further supporting microbial growth and sustained phosphorus release. Computer simulations confirmed that oxalic acid played a key role by binding calcium and preventing the reformation of insoluble phosphate minerals.
Phosphorus is an essential element for food production, yet global phosphate rock reserves are finite and increasingly costly to mine. At the same time, conventional phosphate fertilizers often suffer from low use efficiency and can contribute to water pollution.
“Recovering phosphorus from industrial waste aligns well with the goals of sustainable agriculture and circular resource use,” Li said. “This approach could reduce environmental risks while supplementing existing phosphorus supplies.”
While the experiments were conducted at the laboratory scale, the researchers believe the findings provide a strong foundation for future development. With further optimization, fungal bioextraction could be integrated into waste management systems or used to produce phosphorus enriched materials for agricultural applications.
The study highlights the untapped potential of microorganisms in addressing global environmental challenges. By harnessing natural biological processes, scientists are finding new ways to recover valuable resources from materials once considered useless waste.
The research was published online on January 19, 2026, in Environmental and Biogeochemical Processes, and involved collaboration among scientists specializing in environmental science, microbiology, and geochemistry.
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Journal reference: Chao Z, Li H, Ji J, Sun X, Sun Y, et al. 2026. Bioextraction of residual phosphorus from phosphogypsum by phosphate-solubilizing fungus Aspergillus niger. Environmental and Biogeochemical Processes 2: e002 doi: 10.48130/ebp-0025-001
https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/ebp-0025-0018
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About the Journal:
Environmental and Biogeochemical Processes (e-ISSN 3070-1708) is a multidisciplinary platform for communicating advances in fundamental and applied research on the interactions and processes involving the cycling of elements and compounds between the biological, geological, and chemical components of the environment.
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Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Bioextraction of residual phosphorus from phosphogypsum by phosphate-solubilizing fungus Aspergillus niger
Article Publication Date
29-Jan-2026
Native fungi from almond orchards show promise as sustainable defenders against a devastating crop disease
Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
image:
Selection of fungi derived from almond orchards for biological control of almond anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum godetiae
view moreCredit: Madalena Ramos, Pedro Talhinhas
Almond growers across Mediterranean regions are facing a growing threat from anthracnose, a destructive fungal disease that can wipe out blossoms and young fruits during wet spring seasons. Now, new research suggests that help may already be living inside almond trees themselves.
In a study published in Agricultural Ecology and Environment, researchers from the University of Lisbon report that naturally occurring fungi found on and within almond trees can strongly suppress Colletotrichum godetiae, the primary cause of almond anthracnose in the Mediterranean Basin. The findings open the door to environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides.
Almond production has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by irrigation, intensive farming systems, and high demand. But these same changes have created ideal conditions for fungal diseases to spread. Anthracnose can cause flowers to rot, fruits to shrivel and mummify, and yields to collapse, particularly in cool and rainy springs.
Current control strategies rely heavily on preventive fungicide applications. While effective, these treatments raise concerns about environmental impacts, chemical residues, and the emergence of resistant pathogen strains.
“Our goal was to look at the almond tree not just as a host for disease, but as a reservoir of beneficial microorganisms,” said Pedro Talhinhas, senior author of the study. “Many fungi live quietly inside plant tissues without causing harm, and some of them can actively protect the plant against pathogens.”
The research team collected flowers, leaves, branches, and fruits from 16 almond cultivars grown in major production regions of Portugal. By comparing surface disinfected and non disinfected plant tissues, the scientists were able to distinguish fungi living inside the plant, known as endophytes, from those living on the surface.
In total, nearly 20,000 fungal isolates were recovered, representing 39 different genera. Branches and fruits emerged as particularly rich reservoirs of endophytic fungi. The most abundant groups included Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Trichoderma, all commonly found in agricultural systems.
From this diverse community, 24 fungal isolates were selected for laboratory tests against Colletotrichum godetiae. Several stood out for their ability to strongly inhibit the pathogen’s growth and reproduction.
Species of Trichoderma and Neurospora intermedia proved especially effective, suppressing more than 75 percent of the pathogen’s growth and dramatically reducing its production of spores, which are responsible for spreading disease. One isolate of Trichoderma viridescens reduced spore production by more than 99 percent.
“These fungi use multiple strategies,” explained first author Madalena Ramos. “Some grow faster and physically overtake the pathogen, while others appear to release substances that block its development or prevent it from producing spores.”
Importantly, many of the most effective fungi were endophytes, meaning they are already well adapted to living inside almond tissues. This increases their potential as reliable biological control agents under real field conditions.
The researchers emphasize that further testing is needed before these fungi can be deployed in orchards, including greenhouse and field trials. However, the study provides a crucial foundation for developing biocontrol products tailored to almond production.
“By working with the almond tree’s own microbiome, we can move toward crop protection strategies that are both effective and environmentally sustainable,” Talhinhas said. “This is a promising step toward reducing our dependence on chemical fungicides while safeguarding yields.”
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Journal Reference: Ramos M, Talhinhas P. 2026. Selection of fungi derived from almond orchards for biological control of almond anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum godetiae. Agricultural Ecology and Environment 2: e002 doi: 10.48130/aee-0025-0015
https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/aee-0025-0015
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About Agricultural Ecology and Environment:
Agricultural Ecology and Environment (e-ISSN 3070-0639) is a multidisciplinary platform for communicating advances in fundamental and applied research on the agroecological environment, focusing on the interactions between agroecosystems and the environment. It is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the complex interactions between agricultural practices and ecological systems. The journal aims to provide a comprehensive and cutting-edge forum for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders from diverse fields such as agronomy, ecology, environmental science, soil science, and sustainable development.
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Method of Research
Experimental study
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Selection of fungi derived from almond orchards for biological control of almond anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum godetiae
Article Publication Date
29-Jan-2026
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