European Sustainable Phosphorus Conference opens in Berlin
The Federal Environment Ministry is eager to drive regulations on phosphorus recovery forward. "The Coalition Agreement stipulates that phosphorus and other nutrients should be recovered. We want to implement this as soon as possible" commented Florian Pronold, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Environment Ministry. The sustainable use of phosphorus and its recovery from sewage sludge and wastewater are the "first important steps to be taken in response to the long-term scarcity of this vital raw material" stressed Parliamentary State Secretary Pronold today at the opening of the 2nd European Sustainable Phosphorus Conference in Berlin.
An adequate supply of phosphorus is vital for human and animal life as well as for plant growth. Phosphorus-based fertiliser is indispensable for ensuring high agricultural yields in the long term. Very often however, phosphorus is sourced in regions that are politically instable. In addition, phosphorus mining is often linked to significant landscape interventions and environmental damage. Therefore, in 2014 the European Commission added phosphorus to the list of critical raw materials. Consequently, the efficient use of phosphorus and in particular the recovery of phosphorus is becoming more important. In Germany, dependency on rock phosphates will be reduced by increasing phosphorus recovery from wastewater and sewage sludge.
At the 2nd European Sustainable Phosphorus Conference (Berlin, 5-6 March 2015) discussions will be held on the strategies and proposals to ensure a long-term supply of phosphorus. Florian Pronold highlighted: "Taking a new direction with regard to the use of phosphorus from sewage sludge and wastewater means treading new technological territory for many sectors. Thus, I expect that this congress will offer advice to help with the implementation of our phosphorus use concept."