Knowledge for Development

In-depth report: Sustainable Phosphorus Use

Author:

Date: 17/12/2013

Introduction:

Developments in industry, agriculture, waste handling and lifestyle have massively reduced the capacity for phosphorus to be cycled effectively by society and the environment via natural geological processes. The major source of phosphorus used in fertiliser is phosphate rock, which is mined in vast quantities, more than can be replaced by the slow geological cycle. This In-depth Report, written and edited by the Science Communication Unit, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, and produced for the European Commission DG Environment examines scientific knowledge on the phosphorus challenge and recent research into the sustainable use of the element.   

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/IR7.pdf   

(EC DG Environment, 10/2013)