In:
GAIA - Ecological Perspectives for Science and Society, Oekom Publishers GmbH, Vol. 20, No. 2 ( 2011-06-28), p. 112-121
Abstract:
Phosphorus (P) is an essential, finite resource whose geological, economic, and geopolitical accessibility may become critical in the future. Because P losses from agriculture, sewage and waste have serious environmental impacts such as eutrophication, it would be desirable to close
P cycles. However, there may arise dilemmas due to trade-offs with other issues. For instance, recycling of animal bones – containing relatively high amounts of P – was prohibited in Switzerland after the BSE crisis (1989 to 2000) due to perceived health risks. Our analysis indicates that the greatest potentials for closing the P cycle in Switzerland are to reduce P losses in agriculture and to increase P recovery from sewage and waste. Whereas in agriculture significant improvements have been made, the disposal dilemma of animal bones led to diminishing amounts of P being
recycled from waste. Based on their risk perception, the involved stakeholders prioritized preventing potential harm to (human) health over maximizing P recycling.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0940-5550
DOI:
10.14512/gaia.20.2.8
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oekom Publishers GmbH
Publication Date:
2011
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2901363-X
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2111556-4
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1114994-2
SSG:
14
SSG:
5,21
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