Summary
This material flow analysis quantifies nutrient losses across Taiwan's densely populated island agri-food system, revealing that 84% of nitrogen and 48% of phosphorus inputs are lost annually, primarily through wastewater and manure mismanagement. Scenario modelling demonstrates that enhanced circular nutrient recovery—particularly through livestock manure, food waste and wastewater valorization—could substantially reduce fertilizer imports and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The authors argue for integrated policy frameworks and cross-sectoral collaboration to transition toward nutrient circularity and cleaner food production in resource-constrained island settings.
Regional applicability
The United Kingdom, whilst an island, has notably different agri-food scale, climate, and waste infrastructure from Taiwan. However, the methodological approach (MFA for nutrient cycling assessment) and the policy recommendations regarding nutrient recovery, manure valorization and integrated waste management frameworks are transferable to UK agriculture, particularly for improving phosphorus security and reducing agricultural diffuse pollution.
Key measures
Annual nutrient inflows and outflows (kilotonnes N and P), percentage nutrient losses, sources of losses (wastewater discharge, manure mismanagement), potential greenhouse gas emission reductions from biowaste recycling scenarios
Outcomes reported
The study quantified annual nitrogen and phosphorus inflows (358.6 kt N and 118.3 kt P) and losses (84% of N and 48% of P) in Taiwan's agri-food system using material flow analysis. Scenario modelling assessed the potential for biowaste recycling and nutrient recovery to reduce fertilizer imports and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 98,299 t CO2 eq annually.
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