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Towards global phosphorus security: a systems framework for phosphorus recovery and reuse options
D Cordell1, A Rosemarin, J J Schröder
1Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia. Dana.Cordell@uts.edu.au
Chemosphere
|March 19, 2011
Summary
Phosphorus recovery from waste is crucial for food security due to scarcity. Reusing phosphorus as fertilizer requires sustainable policies and diverse recovery methods for a phosphorus-secure future.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Science
- Resource Management
Background:
- Global phosphorus cycle significantly altered by human activity.
- Mobilization of phosphorus has led to water pollution and concerns over sustainable use.
- Emerging phosphorus scarcity poses risks to future food security.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine sustainable phosphorus recovery and reuse options.
- Facilitate integrated decision-making for phosphorus security.
- Identify opportunities and challenges for global phosphorus security.
Main Methods:
- Integrated and systems framework approach.
- Analysis of a full spectrum of recovery and reuse options (small- to large-scale).
- Inclusion of case studies for practical insights.
Main Results:
- No single solution exists for phosphorus security; requires diverse strategies.
- Phosphorus recovery and reuse from all waste streams is essential.
- Need for new policies, partnerships, and frameworks for renewable phosphorus fertilizers.
Conclusions:
- Achieving phosphorus security necessitates increased use efficiency and widespread recovery/reuse.
- Development of sustainable policies and farmer-centric frameworks is critical.
- Further research needed on context-specific, cost-effective, and sustainable phosphorus recovery methods.
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