Descripción del proyecto
Cerrar el ciclo del fósforo
El fósforo es un nutriente esencial en la agricultura, pero los recursos de fósforo explotable son limitados y la extracción de minerales de fósforo ha alterado sus ciclos mundiales. Además, el flujo de fósforo desde las zonas agrícolas hacia las aguas superficiales contribuye a la eutrofización, un enriquecimiento excesivo de los ecosistemas acuáticos con nutrientes que da lugar a un crecimiento acelerado de algas, una pérdida de biodiversidad y otros efectos perjudiciales. Con el apoyo de las Acciones Marie Skłodowska-Curie, el proyecto P-TRAP desarrollará nuevos métodos para capturar fósforo en zonas agrícolas drenadas y en los sedimentos de lagos eutróficos. Estos métodos se basan en el uso de subproductos que contienen hierro procedentes del tratamiento de las aguas. Los minerales férricos ricos en fósforo se transformarán en fertilizantes para lograr una economía circular sostenible con un impacto medioambiental inferior.
Objetivo
Flux of phosphate (P) from agricultural areas to surface waters is wasting a resource which is becoming scarce and is in conflict with the principles of a circular economy. Enhanced loading of surface water with P is the main cause for eutrophication and presents a key challenge in meeting the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive. P-TRAP targets both problems and develops new methods and approaches to trap P in drained agricultural areas and in the sediments of eutrophic lakes. Trapping of P involves the application of iron(Fe)-containing by-products from drinking water treatment. P-TRAP aspires the ideas of a circular economy and aims at recovering the retained P in agricultural systems. Novel microbial technologies will be developed to convert P-loaded Fe-minerals into marketable fertilizers whose suitability will be evaluated. The new P-TRAP technologies have in common that they rely on the naturally strong connection between P and Fe and the innovative P-TRAP strategies will be underpinned by process-orientated investigations on the behavior of P during the transformation of Fe minerals. The latter are key in trapping and recycling of P in agricultural systems and lakes. P-TRAP establishes a framework of partners from multiple science and engineering disciplines. Integration of non-academic partners from various stakeholder groups into the P-TRAP consortium paves the way for direct implementation of the acquired knowledge. P-TRAP provides Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) an environment for conducting innovative scientific research by using state-of-the-art methodology. Training through P-TRAP increases the ESRs’ mobility between sectors, cultures, and nations and strengthens their responsibility to exploiting scientific results for societal and economical benefit. P-TRAP will offer ESRs an excellent starting point for a career of leadership in a number of environmental and sustainable business sectors, academia, and public administration.
Ámbito científico
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwaste managementwaste treatment processesrecycling
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturesustainable agriculture
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwater treatment processes
- social scienceseconomics and businesseconomicssustainable economy
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
MSCA-ITN - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN)Coordinador
3584 CS Utrecht
Países Bajos