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Challenges and Strategies for the Sustainable Environmental Management of Phosphogypsum

Author

Listed:
  • Linda Maina

    (Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Dorodna 16, 03-195 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Kiegiel

    (Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Dorodna 16, 03-195 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Grażyna Zakrzewska-Kołtuniewicz

    (Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Dorodna 16, 03-195 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

Phosphogypsum, a byproduct of phosphate fertilizer production, poses significant environmental challenges due to its large volume, hazardous composition, and radioactivity. Conventional disposal methods, such as stockpiling and landfilling, contribute to soil and water contamination and present risks to human health. This article explores the potential of integrating phosphogypsum into a circular economy framework, focusing on reducing environmental impacts and extracting value from this industrial waste. A detailed assessment of phosphogypsum’s chemical composition, including trace metals and radionuclides, is essential for effective management. This review paper examines safe handling, storage, and disposal strategies to minimize environmental risks. Additionally, innovative reuse applications are investigated, such as incorporating phosphogypsum into construction materials like cement, plasterboard, and concrete and its use in agriculture as a soil amendment or for land reclamation. The recovery of critical elements, particularly rare earth elements (REEs), highlights its potential to reduce waste and contribute to meeting the growing demand for strategic resources. Despite its promise, challenges remain, including chemical variability and the presence of radioactive components. This article identifies the technological and regulatory steps required to enable safe, large-scale reuse of phosphogypsum, emphasizing its role in advancing sustainable resource management within a circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda Maina & Katarzyna Kiegiel & Grażyna Zakrzewska-Kołtuniewicz, 2025. "Challenges and Strategies for the Sustainable Environmental Management of Phosphogypsum," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-41, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3473-:d:1633959
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Linda Maina & Katarzyna Kiegiel & Zbigniew Samczyński & Nils Haneklaus & Grażyna Zakrzewska-Kołtuniewicz, 2024. "Sulfuric Acid Leaching Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Wizów’s Phosphogypsum in Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-13, October.
    2. Hajer Gabsi & Anas Tallou & Faissal Aziz & Rachid Boukchina & Nissaf Karbout & Luis Andreu Caceres & Rafael García-Tenorio & Khaoula Boudabbous & Mohamed Moussa, 2023. "Application of Phosphogypsum and Organic Amendment for Bioremediation of Degraded Soil in Tunisia Oasis: Targeting Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-14, March.
    3. M. I. Romero-Hermida & V. Flores-Alés & S. J. Hurtado-Bermúdez & A. Santos & L. Esquivias, 2020. "Environmental Impact of Phosphogypsum-Derived Building Materials," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-17, June.
    4. Kseniya Levickaya & Nataliya Alfimova & Ivan Nikulin & Natalia Kozhukhova & Aleksander Buryanov, 2024. "The Use of Phosphogypsum as a Source of Raw Materials for Gypsum-Based Materials," Resources, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-17, May.
    5. Prince O. Njoku & Joshua N. Edokpayi & John O. Odiyo, 2019. "Health and Environmental Risks of Residents Living Close to a Landfill: A Case Study of Thohoyandou Landfill, Limpopo Province, South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-27, June.
    6. Martin J. C. Robinson & Amalesh Dhar & M. Anne Naeth & Connie K. Nichol, 2022. "Phosphogypsum Stack Reclamation Using Soil Amendments and Short-Rotational Woody Species," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-14, November.
    7. M Barka Outbakat & Khalil El Mejahed & Mohamed El Gharous & Kamal El Omari & Adnane Beniaich, 2022. "Effect of Phosphogypsum on Soil Physical Properties in Moroccan Salt-Affected Soils," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-16, October.
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