Toward large-scale utilization approaches for phosphogypsum with low-carbon paradigm

Large-scale utilization of phosphogypsum (PG) is crucial due to its massive production, potential value, and environmental risks. Although various recycling technologies exist, they vary widely in scale and profitability. This work first proposes a reclamation-purification-stabilization trinity technological framework to bridge fundamental research and large-scale engineering. Based on a bibliometric analysis of 4,766 studies, it analyzes PG's basic characteristics, environmental risks, and the interplay between its minerals and impurities. Key parameters, including mixing ratios, large-scale application indices, and carbon footprint, are quantified for different technologies. This study also evaluates the strengths, limitations, and application scenarios of the existing methods. Finally, it highlights that the quantitative carbon footprint analysis will be vital for guiding strategic decisions in PG's low-carbon transformation. This work aims to advance the research focus from isolated technological breakthroughs toward optimizing the entire process chain, thereby accelerating the low-carbon transition of PG utilization.