Abstract
In the present study, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (At. ferrooxidans) culture supernatant was used for phosphate (PO 4 3- ) removal and recovery from source separated urine. The results indicated that the solution pH and ferric ion (Fe 3+ ) concentration influenced the PO 4 3- precipitation. The 5.6 pH was found optimum for PO 4 3- recovery. An increase in Fe 3+ concentration increased PO 4 3- recovery. Recovered iron phosphate (FePO 4 ) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). Source separated urine can be a renewable source for phosphate recovery using At. ferrooxidans culture supernatant. This will help in sustainable agricultural development.