Assessing phosphorus fluxes in Portugal

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Resource Management
• Circular Economy

Background:

• Phosphorus (P) is essential for the food sector, but global shortages necessitate import reliance.
• Tracking nutrient flows and identifying recovery interventions are crucial for resource security.
• Previous studies suggest circular supply chains can meet phosphorus demand and reduce EU import dependence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate phosphorus (P) fluxes in Portugal using Substance Flow Analysis (SFA).
• To evaluate phosphorus circularity within its production/consumption chain in Portugal.
• To compare P flow indicators with other assessed countries.

Main Methods:

• Substance Flow Analysis (SFA) methodology.
• Collection of demographic, spatial, and economic data.
• Evaluation of accuracy and reliability of calculated fluxes.
• Comparison of P flows using effectiveness, accumulation, and loss indicators.

Main Results:

• Soil nutrient management in Portugal was efficient in 2013 (79% Soil out/Soil in).
• Significant P amounts were found in landfills (35.38 kt) and treated wastewater (0.87 kt).
• Potential P recovery from wastewater influent is 8.2 kt, with limited current efforts.

Conclusions:

• Portugal's soil nutrient management is efficient, but urban systems show high P accumulation in landfills and wastewater.
• The solid waste sector shows some P recovery, but wastewater presents a significant untapped resource.
• Policy and infrastructure improvements are needed to enhance P recovery and reduce environmental discharge.