Electrokinetics-Based Phosphorus Management in Soils and Sewage Sludge

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is a key component that limits plant growth. P is a limited resource; hence, effective P management is needed to increase plant P consumption from the soil and reduce P input levels through fertilization. In light of these difficulties, the goal of this review is to investigate the role of soil electrokinetics (SEKs)—a physicochemical approach—as the main approach in our in-depth analysis of publication history across six P-management research search engines to ensure sustainable management. This review covers the management of P using the SEKs from a number of perspectives, such as P injection in soil to improve bioremediation efficiency; P specific and synergistic separation from other related elements; increasing plant P availability and reusing it as fertilizer; and P removal from soil and sewage sludge. In terms of P adsorption, after seven days on kaolin, no organic P adsorption was observed, while inorganic P adsorbed to a maximum of 73% after six days. This implies that in low-permeability soils, the organic P source can be a practical source of P during in situ bioremediation. With the use of chemical additives, the specific and synergistic separation of P from/with other elements was made possible. When compared to the region near the cathode, P availability for the plant was higher in the vicinity of the anode electrode. P can be recycled and used as fertilizer. The iron electrodes result in a noticeably greater removal of phosphate than titanium electrodes. Further research is required to offer a technical solution for the proper handling of P, as there has been little research on P management from many perspectives.