Question

How much percentage of phosphorus does bacteria usually has?

(a) 1%

(b) 10%

(c) 50%

(d) 67%

This question was addressed to me in an interview.

Query is from Microbial Recovery of Phosphate topic in division Bioleaching and Biomining for Recovery of Resources of Environmental Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) 1%

For explanation I would say: The phosphorus content of the bacteria is about 1-2%. The phosphorus content of the bacterial biomass has phosphorus in their membranes and DNA. The bacteria present in the wastewater treatment plant feed on the nutrients. Then phosphorus is incorporated into the bacterial biomass as they feed and grow. 10%, 50% and 67% is comparatively very high percentage of phosphorus for bacterial biomass.