This report presents an integrated assessment of the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of the phosphorus cycle in the SUDOE region. The analysis combines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), territorial emissions data, and stakeholder consultations to characterize the current phosphorus management model and establish a baseline against which future recovery solutions can be evaluated.
The results show that the current system generates significant environmental pressures (2.53 billion kg CO₂ eq associated with fertilizer supply and 14.8 kt P/year released through wastewater treatment plant emissions), economic vulnerabilities arising from external dependency and price volatility (approximately €1.849 billion per year), and social barriers related to trust, information gaps, and the perceived viability of recovered phosphorus products.
The report identifies opportunities to move towards a more circular phosphorus management model through phosphorus recovery in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), agricultural optimization practices, and communication strategies tailored to different stakeholder groups. It provides a solid foundation for the subsequent phases of the ENDORSE project.
