ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a holistic point of view concerning the utilization of microbial solubilizers of rock-forming minerals (e.g. chain silicates, sheet silicates, framework silicates and non-silicates), technology (known as biofertilizers or plant stimulants), and describes some of the mechanisms of the solubilization (e.g. microbiological production of inorganic or organic acids, and the production of chelating agents) of the most common mineral forms found in the earth’s lithosphere from igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, such as apatite (e.g. hydroxyapatite), kaolinite (e.g. vermiculite), feldspar (e.g. plagioclase), mica (e.g. muscovite), sulphates (e.g. gypsum) and sulphides (e.g. pyrite, and chalcopyrite). Moreover, the chapter briefly discusses opportunities focusing on trade aspects at the global level, and describes some general guiding principles for standardization to support the implementation and regulation of green technology, as a conceptual framework encompassing the environmental activities of solubilizing microorganisms.
