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Diffuse phosphorus input to surface waters - new concepts in removal, recycling and management (P-TRAP)

Project description

Closing the phosphorus cycle

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient in agriculture, but the resources of mineable P are limited, and mining of P ores has perturbed the global P cycles. Moreover, the flux of P from agricultural areas to surface water contributes to eutrophication, an over-enrichment of aquatic ecosystems with nutrients leading to accelerated growth of algae, loss in biodiversity and other detrimental impacts. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the P-TRAP project will develop new approaches to trap P in drained agricultural areas and in the sediments of eutrophic lakes. These approaches are based on the use of iron-containing by-products from water treatment. The P-loaded iron minerals will be converted into fertilisers for a sustainable circular economy with lower environmental impact.

Objective

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.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-ITN - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN)

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-ITN-2018

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 531 239,76
Address
HEIDELBERGLAAN 8
3584 CS Utrecht
Netherlands

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 531 239,76

Participants (8)

Partners (7)

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