Characterization of the Tunisian Phosphate Rock from Metlaoui-Gafsa Basin and Bio-Leaching Assays

Soil contamination by heavy metals through the application of a phosphate fertilizer is key issue for sustainable agriculture. Among contaminants, cadmium (Cd) considered most hazardous to human beings’ health and surrounding environment. X-ray diffraction (XRD), combined with binocular mineralogical analysis chemical analysis, was used determine C(I) C(II) layers’ composition. In (+71 µm)-size fraction, presence carbonate-fluorapatite, illite, montmorillonite revealed, whereas in (−71 calcite, quartz, sanidine, clinoptilolite, taramovite were identified. The P2O5 CaO contents greater layer than that layer, SiO2, MgO, CO2, Cd, Zn, COrg higher layer. bioleaching Cd from rock samples Kef Eddour deposit investigated using three bacterial strains isolated local A decrease cell viability noticed when showed toxicity samples. addition, bacteria, which initially moderately hydrophobic, changed strongly hydrophobic. use consortium (S1 + S2 S3) powerful combination reduce content, increased 13.31% 29.07% S3 S3), respectively, fraction sample added medium. same result shown used. could be as biological tool bioleaching.