Raniro, H.R. orcid.org/0000-0002-5041-8101, Serrano-Gomez, J., Mort, H.L. orcid.org/0009-0000-7330-7351 et al. (23 more authors) (2025) Overcoming recycling barriers to transform global phosphorus management. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment. ISSN: 2662-138X
Abstract
The global phosphorus challenge arises from the uneven distribution of phosphorus resources, environmental effects from phosphorus losses and unsustainable linear management. Despite progress in advanced phosphorus recycling, less than 1% of secondary phosphorus resources produced globally are recycled. In this Review, we comprehensively explore global barriers to phosphorus recycling. Manure (15–20 million tons P (MtP) yr−1), mining and fertilizer industry waste (6–12 MtP yr−1), wastewater (~3.7 MtP yr−1) and food waste (~1.2 MtP yr−1) are the major secondary phosphorus resources worldwide. In addition, accumulated legacy phosphorus in soil and sediment comprises a combined stock of more than 3,200 MtP. Phosphorus mismanagement and losses cost stakeholders US$265 billion annually, yet substantial barriers to phosphorus recycling remain. Key challenges to be overcome include low competitiveness of recycled phosphorus products, complex waste handling, limited legacy phosphorus recovery and fragmented collaboration among stakeholders. A shift is needed towards an integrated, systems-based approach that simultaneously addresses technical, economic and societal challenges. Transdisciplinary strategies and research will advance phosphorus recycling and the development of a sustainable, circular phosphorus economy. Incorporating the perspectives of diverse stakeholders will help drive increasingly sustainable phosphorus management.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Authors/Creators: |
|
Dates: |
|
Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Environment (Leeds) > School of Earth and Environment (Leeds) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number EU - European Union 956454 |
Date Deposited: | 08 Oct 2025 08:57 |
Last Modified: | 08 Oct 2025 08:57 |
Status: | Published online |
Publisher: | Nature Research |
Identification Number: | 10.1038/s43017-025-00717-3 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:232634 |