Total Value of Phosphorus Recovery
Brooke K Mayer1, Lawrence A Baker2, Treavor H Boyer3
1Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Marquette University , Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|May 24, 2016
Summary
Recovering phosphorus (P) from waste streams offers significant value beyond P products, including energy, water, and environmental benefits. Implementing P recovery is crucial for resource security and sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Resource Management
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Phosphorus (P) is a vital, nonrenewable resource for global food production.
- Excess P in the environment causes eutrophication.
- Current P recovery is limited due to the low cost of mined P.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the total value of recovering P from waste streams.
- To highlight the multifaceted benefits of P recovery.
- To discuss strategies for implementing P recovery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on P recovery.
- Analysis of co-recovered resources (energy, nitrogen, metals, water).
- Evaluation of environmental and societal benefits.
Main Results:
- P recovery offers value beyond P products, including energy, nitrogen, metals, minerals, and water.
- P recovery protects environmental quality and improves waste treatment efficiency.
- P recovery enhances food security and social equity.
Conclusions:
- Accounting for total value incentivizes P recovery.
- Addressing business models, bottlenecks, and policy is essential for widespread P recovery.
- Sustainable P management requires integrated recovery and reuse strategies.
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