Researchers at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory have developed an environmentally friendly way to get phosphates into the soil. They have made dried pellets out of phosphorus ore and Pseudomonas bacteria, which they’ve dubbed “biobeads”. Placed in moist soil, the bacteria convert the ore into bioavailable phosphates, slowly releasing it into the ground. This reduces the chances of excess phosphates leaching into groundwater, and avoids the toxic by-products created by conventional production methods.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
We've found a mysterious substance on Titan and Pluto
2
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
3
Can prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics help your ageing microbiome?
4
New Scientist recommends an excellent look at the future of work
5
The secrets to keeping your brain sharp in old age
6
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
7
We may have finally solved cosmology's chicken-or-the-egg problem
8
Explore the mind-bending and paradoxical art of M C. Escher
9
Cervical cancer deaths have plummeted thanks to HPV vaccine
10
Flood of AI 'garbage' is pushing open-source developers to the limit
