Natural Degradation of Phosphonates
The below scientific review explores the microbial degradation of phosphonates, compounds characterized by a stable carbon-phosphorus bond. The articles differentiate between natural phosphonates, produced by organisms, and anthropogenic phosphonates, which are man-made substances like glyphosate. Contrary to some opinions, phosphonates are a resource for microorganisms living in environments where the availability of phosphate is limited; thus, bacteria in particular have evolved systems to uptake and catabolize phosphonates. Such systems can be either selective for a narrow subset of compounds or show a broader specificity. The role, distribution, and evolution of microbial genes and enzymes dedicated to phosphonate degradation, as well as their regulation, have been the subjects of substantial studies. At least three enzyme systems have been identified so far, schematically distinguished based on the mechanism by which the C-P bond is ultimately cleaved-i.e., through either a hydrolytic, radical, or oxidative reaction. The articles below detail three primary enzymatic pathways—hydrolytic, oxidative, and radical (C–P lyase)—that microbes utilize to break down these bonds, often to acquire phosphorus in nutrient-limited environments. The review also examines how phosphonate transporters facilitate their uptake and discusses the genomic distribution and environmental prevalence of these degradation pathways in marine, freshwater, and soil systems. Finally, it highlights the complex regulatory mechanisms governing these processes and their significant role in global biogeochemical cycling, particularly concerning environmental bioremediation. (Author: Dr. Lagref Jean-Jacques).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37836707