The phosphorus challenge: biotechnology approaches for a sustainable phosphorus system.

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. Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Citation

James J Elser, Douglas F Call, Jessica A Deaver, Owen W Duckworth, Brooke K Mayer, Eric McLamore, Bruce Rittmann, Maheen Mahmood, Paul Westerhoff. The phosphorus challenge: biotechnology approaches for a sustainable phosphorus system. Current opinion in biotechnology. 2024 Dec;90:103197

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PMID: 39299060

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