ROLE OF BACTERIA IN PHOSPHORITE GENESIS

Cocci of phosphate-sequestering bacteria were found in the water colum n off Namibia where Recent phosphorites are forming. Furthermore, rece nt work on bacterial populations in the Benguela upwelling system show s that the population that occurs during non-upwelling periods is domi nated by phosphate-sequestering bacteria (Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter). These are the bacteria that effect phosphorus removal from biological activated sludge systems in wastewater treatment plants. Our conclusi on is that these bacteria act in a similar manner in natural systems a s they are known to do in wastewater treatment plants and that they pl ay an active role in phosphate concentration and phosphorite genesis.