Phosphorus (P) is a key element for all living organisms and is often a limiting factor for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, often occurring in poorly bioavailable mineral forms. A large proportion of P is stored in various types of apatite (calcium phosphate minerals), strengite or vivianite (iron phosphates), variscite (aluminum phosphate), and other phosphate minerals. These minerals are typically sparingly soluble, which restricts the immediate availability of P for biological uptake. Consequently, biological access to P depends strongly on weathering processes, many of which are mediated or accelerated by microorganisms.
Mobilization, transformation and cycling of mineral-bound P on Earth is closely linked to biotic activities. Through the evolution of Earth, bacteria, fungi and archaea developed a variety of biochemical and geochemical strategies to interact with P-containing minerals, leading either to weathering (mineral dissolution) and release of phosphate (PO43-), or P-mineral formation. The secretion of organic acids such as gluconic, citric oxalic and lactic acids, as well as the production of extracellular enzymes such as phosphatases and phytases, increase the amount of bioavailable P. In contrast, directly or indirectly microbially-mediated formation of P-containing minerals results in P immobilization, favoring long-term storage of P in soils, sediments, wastewater systems and aquatic environments. Thus, microorganisms serve as a critical link between the geochemical P cycle and the biological demand for P, thus playing an important role in global P nutrient balance, one of the critical planetary boundaries.
In summary, microorganisms are integral components in P mineral dynamics, controlling the dissolution, transformation, and precipitation of P-containing minerals, thereby regulating P availability, storage, and cycling across ecological and geological timescales. Understanding microbial roles in these processes is essential for advancing biogeochemical theory, including origin of life, improving agricultural sustainability, and managing environmental P resources.
This collection aims to advance understanding of both the fundamental and applied roles of microorganisms in the formation, dissolution, transformation, and stabilization of phosphorus-containing minerals. By integrating interdisciplinary research from geobiology, geomicrobiology, soil science, environmental microbiology, biogeochemistry, and ecological engineering, the collection emphasizes the regulatory influence of microbial processes on phosphorus availability, long-term storage, and cycling within terrestrial, aquatic, and engineered environments across different time scales.
Accepted articles will be published on this collection page continuously as and when they complete production.