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The nutrient issue

Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) are fundamental to modern life, sustaining global food systems and various industries. However, their intensive use—especially in agriculture—has led to significant environmental challenges. When not properly managed, these nutrients can accumulate in water bodies, triggering ecological imbalances such as algal blooms and dead zones. Understanding their role and the consequences of their overuse is key to addressing one of the most pressing sustainability issues of our time.

Why are N & P essential?

Two blue letters "N" and "P" on a green background, surrounded by flower-like shapes, representing different concepts or categories.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus are building blocks of life. In agriculture, they are vital for healthy crops: nitrogen promotes photosynthesis and protein formation, while phosphorus strengthens root systems and supports energy transfer within plants. These nutrients also play key roles in industries ranging from food production to cosmetics and renewable energy.

The Role of N & P in agriculture and industry

A simple illustration contrasting nature with flowers on the left and a factory emitting smoke on the right, symbolizing eco-friendly themes.

Modern farming depends on synthetic fertilisers rich in Nitrogen and Phosphorus to achieve high yields and meet global food demands. Beyond the fields, these elements are critical in producing chemicals, animal feed, and biofuels. Without them, both agriculture and industry would face major limitations in feeding and powering a growing world.

When essential turns excessive

A light blue background featuring repeated green flower shapes with the letters "N" and "P" to symbolize nitrogen and phosphorus.

While Nitrogen and Phosphorus are essential for plant growth, their excess can lead to severe environmental problems. When too much fertilizer is used, or nutrients are poorly managed, they can run off into water bodies, causing nutrient excess. This leads to eutrophication, where excessive nutrients trigger algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels in water, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems. One prominent example of this issue is the Mar Menor, a lagoon in Spain, which has been severely affected by nutrient excess, resulting in environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.

How can N & P be better managed?

Circular Economy of Nutrients

Circle background

Stakeholder Engagement

Connecting practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to foster knowledge exchange.

Tackling nutrient pollution requires a multi-actor approach. NPower brings together stakeholders from agriculture, water, energy, transport, and industry through four Regional Clusters to co-develop local strategies with the potential to scale across Europe.

Governance Measures

Policies and frameworks to support sustainable nutrient management.

Promoting effective governance measures tailored to regional needs helps create the enabling conditions for BMPs and recovery technologies to be adopted. NPower works closely with public authorities to co-create policies that reduce nutrient emissions and support long-term sustainability.

Recovered Fertilizers

Sustainable nutrient sources derived from recovered nitrogen and phosphorus, closing the loop between waste and agricultural productivity.

Applying the right amount of nutrients at the right time and in the right form to reduce wastage and minimise runoff.

Technologies for Recovery

Innovative methods to recapture N/P from wastewater and agricultural residues.

Implementing nutrient recovery technologies, such as those demonstrated in NPower, which recycle nutrients from waste and wastewater, transforming them into sustainable fertilisers.

Best Management Practices

Proven strategies to enhance nutrient efficiency and reduce losses.

Adopting agricultural practices that enhance nutrient efficiency, such as precision farming, crop rotation, and the use of cover crops to capture excess nutrients.

Innovative Technologies

Six Advanced Solutions for N/P Recovery

NPower demonstrates six cutting-edge technologies designed to recover nitrogen and phosphorus from diverse sources while producing high-quality fertilisers and other valuable by-products. These technologies are tailored to address the specific challenges faced by key emitting sectors in Europe.

Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Production

This technology utilises manure and agricultural residues to produce biogas and a digestate rich in nutrients. The digestate is processed to obtain both liquid and solid fertilisers, reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency.

Recovered Fertilisers

These technologies will result in 8 high-quality recovered fertilisers, reducing dependency on synthetic fertilisers and critical non-renewable resources such as phosphate rock and natural gas.

Phosphate salts

Phosphate salts

Untreated pig manure liquid fraction

Untreated pig manure liquid fraction

Treated pig manure solid fraction

Treated pig manure solid fraction

Treated pig manure liquid fraction

Treated pig manure liquid fraction

Digestate-based solid fertiliser

Digestate-based solid fertiliser

Digestate-based liquid fertiliser

Digestate-based liquid fertiliser

N-rich reclaimed water

N-rich reclaimed water

Low-N water with micronutrients

Low-N water with micronutrients

Redesign the nutrient cycle. Protect water. Power agriculture. Regenerate the planet.