The phosphorus challenge: biotechnology approaches for a sustainable phosphorus system
James J. Elser, Douglas F. Call, Jessica A. Deaver, Owen W. Duckworth, Brooke K. Mayer, Eric S. McLamore, Bruce E. Rittmann, Maheen Mahmood, Paul Westerhoff
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is essential for growing crops, but the supply of high-quality phosphate rock reserves used for fertilizer production is finite while losses of P from the food/waste system cause considerable environmental damage. A variety of emerging approaches in biotechnology are reviewed that hold promise for improving the sustainability of P use in the food/water systems. These include improved sensors, cell culture approaches to meat production, bio-based P adsorption and transformation strategies, advancements in understanding of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms, and new approaches involving biomineralization and anaerobic treatment. By advancing these technologies to scale, progress can be made in developing a circular phosphorus economy that improves food security while protecting drinking water and aquatic ecosystems. • Phosphorus(P) is essential for growing crops but the phosphate rock supply is finitewhile losses of P cause environmental harm. • Various emerging approaches inbiotechnology are reviewed that can improve the sustainability of P use. • Theseinclude biosensors, cell culturing of meat, and bio-based P adsorption. • Otherapproaches focus on polyphosphate-accumulating microbes, biomineralization, andanaerobic treatment. • Advancingsuch technologies can create a circular P economy to improve food security and protectwater supplies.