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Phosphorus Supply Chain—Scientific, Technical, and Economic Foundations: A Transdisciplinary Orientation

Author

Listed:
  • Michael C. Mew

    (Department of Knowledge and Communication Management, Danube University Krems, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500 Krems, Austria
    Phosphates, CRU International, Chancery House, 53-64 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1QS, UK)

  • Gerald Steiner

    (Department of Knowledge and Communication Management, Danube University Krems, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500 Krems, Austria)

  • Bernhard Geissler

    (Department of Knowledge and Communication Management, Danube University Krems, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500 Krems, Austria
    Faculty of Geosciences, University of Resources TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Geoengineering and Mining, Akademiestraße 6, 09599 Freiberg, Germany)

Abstract

Natural mineral resources, such as phosphates, represent global assets of tremendous economic value to stakeholders. Given its special characteristics and its essentiality for all life on Earth, phosphorus (P) bears additional value to society as it is both indispensable and not substitutable. Most peers in the field, as well as those coming to phosphorus research, are aware of the complex underlying system dynamics of the P supply chain. In view of the manifold problems involved, scientists from various disciplines as well as practice need to find (new) ways to generate, utilize, transfer, and integrate knowledge. This manuscript serves as a best-practice example as it originates from a long-lasting science/practice collaboration and is the result of a mutual learning process. As a cornerstone of the special issue on “ Phosphorus Circular Economy: Closing Loops through Sustainable Innovation ” we provide state-of-the-art scientific knowledge as well as practical expert insights from the perspectives of geology, technology, economics, and policy making. This manuscript shall help scientific peers, the public, respective companies, and policymakers to address the issue of sustainable phosphorus management.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael C. Mew & Gerald Steiner & Bernhard Geissler, 2018. "Phosphorus Supply Chain—Scientific, Technical, and Economic Foundations: A Transdisciplinary Orientation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:4:p:1087-:d:139712
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Dana Cordell & Stuart White, 2011. "Peak Phosphorus: Clarifying the Key Issues of a Vigorous Debate about Long-Term Phosphorus Security," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 3(10), pages 1-23, October.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Anna Shchiptsova & Michael Obersteiner, 2025. "The Impact of Phosphate Fertilizer Industry Consolidation on Future Phosphorus Supply for World Agriculture," Papers 2511.13123, arXiv.org.
    2. Mew, Michael & Steiner, Gerald & Haneklaus, Nils & Geissler, Bernhard, 2023. "Phosphate price peaks and negotiations – Part 2: The 2008 peak and implications for the future," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    3. Andrea Salimbeni & Marta Di Bianca & Andrea Maria Rizzo & David Chiaramonti, 2023. "Activated Carbon and P-Rich Fertilizer Production from Industrial Sludge by Application of an Integrated Thermo-Chemical Treatment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-24, October.
    4. Khadija Lalam & Younes Chhiti & Mohamed El Khouakhi & Abdelmoughit Abidi & Ahmed Chebak, 2024. "Evaluation and Optimization of Phosphate Recovery from Coarse Rejects Using Reverse Flotation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-16, October.
    5. Houssini, Khaoula & Geng, Yong & Liu, Jing-Yu & Zeng, Xianlai & Hohl, Simon V., 2023. "Measuring anthropogenic phosphorus cycles to promote resource recovery and circularity in Morocco," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    6. Kirtikumar Randive & Tejashree Raut & Sanjeevani Jawadand, 2021. "An overview of the global fertilizer trends and India’s position in 2020," Mineral Economics, Springer;Raw Materials Group (RMG);Luleå University of Technology, vol. 34(3), pages 371-384, October.
    7. Augusto Bianchini & Jessica Rossi, 2020. "An Integrated Industry-Based Methodology to Unlock Full-Scale Implementation of Phosphorus Recovery Technology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-17, December.

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