Inclusion of white phosphorus in the natural phosphorus cycle
For the first time different taxonomic groups of microorganisms are inoculated on culture medium containing white phosphorus as the single source of phosphorus. On these media microorganisms grew and have not experienced phosphorus starvation. It is the world's first example of the inclusion of white phosphorus in the biosphere cycle of elemental phosphorus. Obviously, bacteria consume dissolved products of white phosphorus oxidation (phosphate, phosphate and hypophosphite) and thus shift chemical equilibrium towards its further oxidation. It noticeably accelerates the process of white phosphorus detoxification. The nature and contents of the white phosphorus oxidation products have been studied by <sup>31</sup>Р NMR method. It is shown that the resistance of microorganisms cultures to white phosphorus depends on their taxonomic affiliation. Fungi of the Trichoderma genus are adapted to it better than Aspergillus, Aspergillus are adapted better than streptomycetes and streptomycetes, in turn, is better than the bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas. Comparing the two Streptomyces cultures, we have shown that resistance to white phosphorus is a sign that can be enhanced or weakened depending on culture conditions. The highest concentration corresponds to 5000 times excess of MPC of white phosphorus in wastewater!