Editorial: Let's talk about P(ee)

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Chemistry
• Sustainable Engineering

Background:

• Phosphorus is a vital nutrient, but its discharge into waterways causes eutrophication.
• Current wastewater treatment methods often do not recover phosphorus, leading to resource depletion.
• The water industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable phosphorus management strategies.

Discussion:

• The need for advanced phosphorus removal technologies is highlighted.
• Focus on technologies enabling phosphorus recovery and reuse.
• Integration into the waste-to-resource paradigm is essential for sustainability.

Key Insights:

• Inorganic ion exchange resins show potential for efficient phosphorus capture.
• Organic bioadsorbents offer a sustainable alternative for phosphorus removal and recovery.
• Both technologies aim for ultra-low phosphorus levels in treated effluent.

Outlook:

• Further research and development are needed to scale these technologies.
• Implementation in the water industry can significantly improve phosphorus circularity.
• These methods support the transition towards a sustainable, resource-efficient water sector.