Knowledge Agora



Scientific Article details

Title Defining Nutrient Colocation Typologies for Human-Derived Supply and Crop Demand To Advance Resource Recovery
ID_Doc 25740
Authors Echevarria, D; Trimmer, JT; Cusick, RD; Guest, JS
Title Defining Nutrient Colocation Typologies for Human-Derived Supply and Crop Demand To Advance Resource Recovery
Year 2021
Published Environmental Science & Technology, 55, 15
DOI 10.1021/acs.est.1c01389
Abstract Resource recovery from human excreta can advance circular economies while improving access to sanitation and renewable agricultural inputs. While national projections of nutrient recovery potential provide motivation for resource recovery sanitation, elucidating generalizable strategies for sustainable implementation requires a deeper understanding of country-specific overlap between supply and demand. For 107 countries, we analyze the colocation of human-derived nutrients (in urine) and crop demands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. To characterize colocation patterns, we fit data for each country to a generalized logistic function. Using fitted logistic curve parameters, three typologies were identified: (i) dislocated nutrient supply and demand resulting from high density agriculture (with low population density) and nutrient islands (e.g., dense cities) motivating nutrient concentration and transport; (ii) colocated nutrient supply and demand enabling local reuse; and (iii) diverse nutrient supply-demand proximities, with countries spanning the continuum between (i) and (ii). Finally, we explored connections between these typologies and country-specific contextual characteristics via principal component analysis and found that the Human Development Index was clustered by typology. By providing a generalizable, quantitative framework for characterizing the colocation of human-derived nutrient supply and agricultural nutrient demand, these typologies can advance resource recovery by informing resource management strategies, policy, and investment.
Author Keywords sanitation; wastewater; urine diversion; nitrogen; phosphorus; potassium; spatial analysis; circular economy
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000683363600049
WoS Category Engineering, Environmental; Environmental Sciences
Research Area Engineering; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
PDF
Similar atricles
Scroll