Aquatic ecosystems close to densely populated areas around the world have very high phosphorus and decompensated values between nitrogen and phosphorus. This alters the functioning of ecosystems, hinders conservation and reduces water quality.
Last year, for months, Florida's bathers were harassed by putrefactas of decomposition algae that had reached the shore of the beaches. Technically known as Sargazo, These thick agglomerations were part of an algae belt of 8.000 kilometers long in the Atlantic Ocean.
Sargasso flowers cause a series of environmental problems, Among them the coastal "dead areas" devoid of aquatic life. The aforementioned sargass.
Phosphorus and another nutrient, Nitrogen, They are key ingredients of synthetic fertilizers. They have become increasingly popular in recent decades, But they can have devastating effects when they enter Lagos, rivers and ocean.
In the sixth session of the United Nations Assembly on the Environment (Moment-6), The world's world decision -making body in environmental matters, The Delegates of the UN Member States will discuss how to advance in world cooperation around nutrients.
Specifically, It is planned that ways of stopping excess phosphorus in the environment will be studied without compromising efforts to end hunger. This is based on the work already done by the Member States through resolutions that have been published in the Unea with the aim of reducing nitrogen pollution.
«Reduce nutrient pollution and recover nutrients, Like phosphorus, To reuse them, it is a beneficial solution for both the environment and for human health », states Leticia Carvalho, Head of the Subdivision of Sweets and Sweet Waters of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). "But to succeed, We need governments, The scientific community, The private sector and civil society combine efforts ».
On the eve of the Unea-6 debates, These are the multiple data on the use of phosphorus and how to better manage this mineral.
What is phosphorus and what are its main uses today?
Phosphorus was discovered more than 350 years, It is an indispensable nutrient for plant growth. Its main use is the manufacture of synthetic fertilizers to increase crops performance, So it is crucial for food security. Phosphorus is a key ingredient in animal feed and is also used to produce steel, food additives, electric car batteries, certain pesticides and domestic cleaning products.
So, Are phosphorus reserves limited?
Yeah. The amount of phosphorus in the world is finite and it is necessary to reduce the amount of mineral we extract. This can be achieved by making the extraction and processing of phosphorus more efficient. Likewise, It is important to optimize the use of phosphorus in agriculture and recover waste phosphorus.
Where does fosphorus pollution come from?
Agriculture is an important source of phosphorus pollution, both for the production of crops and for the breeding of cattle. Phosphorus is also lost through wastewater, The foods that are discarded and other waste flows.
Why is excess phosphorus?
Excess phosphorus, Like nitrogen, Another essential nutrient, exhaust the wealth of soils. It also contaminates lakes, rivers and oceans in a process known as eutrophication. Eutrophicization causes the proliferation of algae that pollute the supply of drinking water and create dead areas lacking oxygen that can kill fish and other aquatic species. Phosphorus pollution is one of the main causes of loss of biodiversity and contributes to the degradation of the ecosystems on which humanity depends. It is estimated that eutrophication costs 2.200 millions of dollars annually to the economy of the United States of America, The world cost is even greater.
Is the phosphorus pollution index increasing?
Yeah. Worldwide, The losses of phosphorus from the earth to the sweet waters have doubled in the last century and continue to increase. Despite large -scale efforts to reduce nutrient pollution, Carvalho said that phosphorus release is already overflowing the planet's ability to face. To him 80% of this mineral is lost or wasted during use. In addition to the environmental consequences, This costs farmers, industrialists and others 265.000 millions of dollars a year.
"We have crossed the red line of phosphorus contamination and the effects on the earth have been devastating", states Leticia Carvalho. «If humanity continues this path, We run the risk of compromising an unimaginable amount of ecosystems worldwide ».
Does that mean that humanity should stop using phosphorus?
No. The key is that phosphorus is used more sustainably and prevent excessive amounts in the environment from filtering. There is the wrong idea that the more fetilizer based on phosphorus is used, more will increase crops. This is not necessarily true. The key is to use the right amount, so that the crops continue to thrive and the environment does not continue to suffer.
How can humanity use phosphorus more sustainably?
Changes in agricultural practices can help reduce phosphorus pollution. The use of manure, For example, can reduce the need for phosphorus -based fertilizers. Farmers can also plant coverage crops and avoid tanking the land, which will improve soil health and reduce the need for fertilizers. These practices should be part of a broader change towards regenerative agriculture, An agriculture approach more respectful of the planet that improves soil health and maintains biodiversity.
Likewise, Synthetic fertilizers should only be used in the phase in which crops need more phosphorus. The livestock sector must also explore more alternative ways to recover the fosphorus from manure.
Finally, Wastewater pouhes to the environment about 3 millions of tons of phosphorus per year worldwide. Proper treatment of wastewater could reduce at least one 80% Its phosphorus and nitrogen concentration.
Solutions will require innovation, Not only technological, but also in the way of working. They will require cooperation between sectors that have not traditionally worked together.
How much do we have to reduce phosphorus pollution?
A lot. El informe Our Phosphorus Future ("Our phosphoric future") advocates that two goals are met here 2050: a reduction of 50% of world phosphorus contamination, together with an increase in 50% Recycling of phosphorus that is lost in waste and wastewater. According to the report, This would reinforce food security and improve water quality, Among many other benefits.
What does the UNEP to combat phosphorus pollution?
UNEP leads the World Nutrient Management Alliance, created in 2009. Promotes the effective management of nutrients, in particular nitrogen and phosphorus, both to achieve food security and to protect the environment.
UNEP efforts to control the environmental consequences of phosphorus are framed in a broader world effort to curb pollution, who received an impulse last year with the historic world framework on chemicals. From 28 goals, The frame establishes a roadmap to protect people and the planet from chemicals and harmful waste. UNEP will manage a trustee that will help apply the agreement.
As the main world authority in environmental matters, UNEP is also helping countries to apply the World Biodiversity Framework of Kunming-Montreal, including the goal 7, that addresses phosphorus. The frame requires a reduction of 50% of excess nutrients lost in the environment to 2030 and that the risk of pesticides is reduced by at least half.
Fuente: ECOTICIAS.COM