Summary
This substance flow analysis quantifies phosphorus cycling through the food system of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, revealing heavy dependence on external inputs and critically low recycling rates. The study identifies aquaculture and food consumption as dominant phosphorus sources, whilst documenting substantial environmental losses (76% to soil, 24% to water) and proposing policy interventions for improved phosphorus management and intercity collaboration.
Regional applicability
This study is geographically specific to southern China and its urban agglomeration dynamics. However, the substance flow analysis methodology and findings on low phosphorus recycling efficiency and the nutrient management challenges of intensive food systems may have relevance to United Kingdom policymakers considering circular economy approaches to nutrient cycling, though UK climate, agricultural structure, and regulatory contexts differ significantly.
Key measures
Total phosphorus input (Gg); phosphorus use efficiency by sector (crop production, animal husbandry, aquaculture); phosphorus recycling rate (%); phosphorus losses to soil and water bodies (%); spatial distribution across cities
Outcomes reported
The study quantified phosphorus flows through the food system of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in 2020, revealing total inputs of 187.69 Gg and use efficiencies varying by production sector. It identified spatial patterns of phosphorus accumulation, losses, and recycling rates across production- and consumption-oriented cities.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.