Assessing the role of domestic phosphorus emissions in the human phosphorus footprint

Societal phosphorus (P) use is unsustainable; P is vital for food security and its increase in the ecosphere is the single greatest cause of water quality degradation on the planet. The following thesis focuses on the role domestic P emissions play in the human P cycle with an aim to support management in reducing the individual P footprint. Measurement of the P composition of private sewage system (PSS) effluent was used to assess domestic P emissions from properties located within the Loch Leven catchment, in East Scotland, UK. This thesis shows PSS treatment type (i.e. level of additional treatment further to a single settling tank) does not reduce effluent P concentration, challenging the efficacy of policies aiming to reduce P pollution from PSS by technological solutions. Using a questionnaire, assessment of domestic and PSS maintenance behaviours of 156 PSS users indicated reductions in P emissions may be achieved through behavioural change. To understand the impact of behaviour on the human P footprint, a novel method using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was successfully developed to identify P compounds related to human behaviour (e.g. washing machine use) in PSS effluent. An assessment of the impact of behaviours on the human P footprint of ten individual households was conducted. Thesis findings conclude PSS desludging reduces concentrations of orthophosphate in PSS effluent; 85% of the variation in total soluble P in PSS effluent can be explained by ‘desludging frequency’ and ‘washing machine use’. Furthermore, PSS users feel responsible for correctly maintaining their PSS, but are potentially not maintaining them effectively or have poorly installed or inadequate systems, and do not know how to reduce domestic P emissions. A need for better public education on PSS maintenance and how to reduce domestic P emissions is required. This work highlights a critical need to integrate social sciences with natural sciences to tackle unsustainable P use

Joint nitrogen and phosphorus management for sustainable development and climate goals

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement are possibly the two most important pieces of international environmental policy thus far this century. The SDGs set a number of socioeconomic and environmental targets to be achieved by 2030, and the Paris Climate Agreement provides a framework for the international community to stay below the 2 °C temperature threshold. Such a range of ambitious goals will require measures that can simultaneously address several issues and produce multiple co-benefits, from improved water quality to reduced food waste. A joint approach to reducing nitrogen and phosphorus pollution is a prime example given their myriad impacts on the environment and human health. This study assesses the national climate plans of fifteen countries for language indicating a target or clear commitment that could involve improved N and P management. These countries represent 75% of both global greenhouse gas emissions and N and P consumption. We find that a joint approach could make important contributions to achieving all the national climate plans analyzed and 7 out of 17 SDGs. Joint abatement measures exist for wastewater, agriculture and consumer behavior. Challenges to a joint approach to nitrogen and phosphorus management include their role as essential nutrients and key differences in their availability and chemistry. Whilst there is currently insufficient integration between science, policies and practice on this issue, near-term policy opportunities exist. Looking forward, how humanity manages its relationship with these essential nutrients over the coming decades will be a key bellwether of whether sustainable development is truly achievable

Global actions for a sustainable phosphorus future

Food security and healthy freshwater ecosystems are placed at jeopardy by poor phosphorus management. Scientists are calling for transformation across food, agriculture, waste and other sectors — mobilized through intergovernmental action, which has been missing thus far

Concerns about global phosphorus demand for lithium-iron-phosphate batteries in the light electric vehicle sector

A 'Matters Arising' article, arising from: Xu, C. et al. (2020). Future material demand for automotive lithium-based batteries. Communications Materials 1: 99

Developing a global perspective on improving agricultural nitrogen use

Nitrogen (N) fertilisers help ensure food security for many regions in the world, but excess or inappropriate use can have serious impacts on both human and environmental health (e.g. threatening air, soil, and water quality, reducing biodiversity and disrupting of greenhouse gas balance). While losses are exacerbated by the decoupling of animal and crop production systems, there are many opportunities to reduce N pollution and increase productivity simultaneously. On the 26th and 27th of March 2015, delegates from diverse backgrounds met at the Second BASF Fireside Chat to discuss these issues and explore possible solutions. Stakeholders from some regions emphasised the desire to avoid simplistic regulations, encouraging the empowerment of farmers to develop their own solutions. Other regions highlighted the need for more effective government intervention. This applied both for adoption of emission mitigation methods in regions of excess, as well as for good governance and infrastructure to improve fertiliser supply in regions of too little. A core message was that, although strategies to increase N use efficiency vary between global regions, there are substantial common themes, the shared development of which could greatly strengthen global action. These challenges are now being taken up by the International Nitrogen Initiative and the United Nations Environment Programme. With financial support from the Global Environment Facility, they are working towards an International Nitrogen Management System (INMS) to provide coordinated scientific support for international N policy-making

Freshwater science for the benefit of society: a perspective from early career researchers

This research brief summarises the views of a group of early career freshwater researchers on 3 questions: What are the greatest threats to freshwater resources and how will they change over the next century? Is freshwater science effectively utilised to help society adapt to these threats? How will we ensure the benefits of freshwater science are reaped by society into the future? To address these questions we reviewed the current literature and discussed our findings in a series of group meetings. We concluded that freshwater resources will be most threatened by population growth, climate change, and eutrophication in the future. We provide examples of how the utilisation of freshwater science by society is reliant on effective monitoring systems, data sharing, and effective communication of topical scientific evidence to both the public and policy makers. Developments in these fields increase the likelihood of society benefitting from past and future research in freshwater science

Time to take responsibility on phosphorus: towards circular food systems

This Commentary follows up on the previously published article (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2008.10.009) which appeared in Global Environmental Change Volume 19, Issue 2, May 2009, Pages 292–305

Fluch und Segen zuglich

Ohne mineralische Stickstoffdünger wären die hohen Ertäge von Nutzpflanzen weltweit nicht möglich. Allerdings ist der Wachstumsförderer auch für Nitrat im Grundwasser, Feinstaubeintrag, Artenrückgang oder Treibhausgase mitverantwortlich. Wir fassen zusammen, wo der Hase im Pfeffer liegt