Stewardship to tackle global phosphorus inefficiency: The case of Europe

Abstract

The inefficient use of phosphorus (P) in the food chain is a threat to the global aquatic environment and the health and well-being of citizens, and it is depleting an essential finite natural resource critical for future food security and ecosystem function. We outline a strategic framework of 5R stewardship (Re-align P inputs, Reduce P losses, Recycle P in bioresources, Recover P in wastes, and Redefine P in food systems) to help identify and deliver a range of integrated, cost-effective, and feasible technological innovations to improve P use efficiency in society and reduce Europe’s dependence on P imports. Their combined adoption facilitated by interactive policies, co-operation between upstream and downstream stakeholders (researchers, investors, producers, distributors, and consumers), and more harmonized approaches to P accounting would maximize the resource and environmental benefits and help deliver a more competitive, circular, and sustainable European economy. The case of Europe provides a blueprint for global P stewardship.

An Assessment of the Drivers and Barriers for the Deployment of Urban Phosphorus Recovery Technologies: A Case Study of The Netherlands

“…It is widely recognized that elements such as carbon and nitrogen are essential for ecosystem functionality, yet the element that remains less acknowledged in its fundamental importance for life is phosphorus (P). On a micro level, phosphorus is essential for cellular function, reproduction (DNA, RNA, and ATP production), and human development [1]. On a macro scale, society is dependent on a continuous and sustainable phosphorus supply for food security since phosphorus is a critical nutrient input for crop and animal production systems [1].…”

“…On a micro level, phosphorus is essential for cellular function, reproduction (DNA, RNA, and ATP production), and human development [1]. On a macro scale, society is dependent on a continuous and sustainable phosphorus supply for food security since phosphorus is a critical nutrient input for crop and animal production systems [1]. Moreover, it is one of the main nutrient components in commercial fertilizer next to nitrogen and potassium [2].…”

“…While consumers only represent the end of the phosphorus value chain, they remain important end-user stakeholders who can collectively use their consuming power to contribute to increased phosphorus use efficiency and can move towards a more sustainable phosphorus cycle [26]. Nevertheless, the majority of food consumers are not aware of issues regarding phosphorus, at least in view of it being an essential finite resource nor its environmental effects [1].…”

Sustainability of phosphorus fertilisation: sources and forms of phosphate

“…Therefore to achieve P sustainability not only a net decrease in PR exploitation is needed but it is also crucial to close the cycle of phosphorus use. In order to meet this objective Withers et al (2015) have articulated five key R strategies (5R) to improve P management: Realign P inputs more precisely to maximize efficiency, Reduce P losses to the oceans, Recycle more P in bioresources, Recover and reuse P from wastes and Redefine P requirements in the food chain.…”

Bioavailability of phosphorus from composts and struvite in acid soils

“…This extracted P ends up in food waste, wastewaters and sewage sludge. Thus, the sustainability of P fertilization depends on P recovery from such sources, which would contribute to the goals of a circular economy (Withers et al, 2015;George et al, 2016).…”