Native Bacteria from Djebel Onk Mine (Algeria) Exhibit Selective Adhesion onto Phosphate Ore

The main aim of the present work was the investigation of the adhesion abilities of selected native microorganisms with phosphate ore particles—natural components of raw material form Djebel Onk, Kef Essnoun region, Algeria. The adhesion/sedimentation level was assessed based on optical density (OD). Microorganisms were marked with quantum dots (CdTe QD; PlasmaChem GmbH), incubated with phosphate ore, and then the particle surface was analyzed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. The highest adhesion onto ore was found for: HK2 3K strain at pH 7, B. subtilis at pH 4, and HKR2G1D(a) strain at a wide range of pH. The use of quantum dots for imaging microorganisms revealed their selectivity in adhesion to particles included in phosphate ore from Djebel Onk. Native bacteria with high adhesion properties (HK2 3K) have priority in settling particle surfaces. This is an effect of a long-lasting selection of microorganisms to these specific conditions in the Kef Essnoun region. The assessment of microorganism-particle complexes stability and their floatability will be continued.