Summary
Phosphorus (P), in the form of phosphate derived from either inorganic (Pi) or organic phosphate (Po) is an essential macronutrient for all forms of life. P undergoes a biogeochemical cycle within the environment but anthropogenic redistribution through inefficient agricultural practice and inadequate nutrient recovery at wastewater treatment works have resulted in a sustained transfer of P from rock deposits to land and aquatic environments. Our present and near future supply of P is primarily mined from rock P reserves in geographically limited regions. To help ensure that this resource is adequate for humanity’s food security, an energy-efficient means of recovering P from waste and recycling it for agriculture is required. This will also help to address excess discharge to water bodies
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