The phosphorus challenge: biotechnology approaches for a sustainable phosphorus system

Phosphorus (P) is essential for growing crops, but the supply of high-quality phosphate rock reserves used for fertilizer production is finite while losses of P from the food/waste system cause considerable environmental damage. A variety of emerging approaches in biotechnology are reviewed that hold promise for improving the sustainability of P use in the food/water systems. These include improved sensors, cell culture approaches to meat production, bio-based P adsorption and transformation strategies, advancements in understanding of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms, and new approaches involving biomineralization and anaerobic treatment. By advancing these technologies to scale, progress can be made in developing a circular phosphorus economy that improves food security while protecting drinking water and aquatic ecosystems. •Phosphorus(P) is essential for growing crops but the phosphate rock supply is finitewhile losses of P cause environmental harm.•Various emerging approaches inbiotechnology are reviewed that can improve the sustainability of P use.•Theseinclude biosensors, cell culturing of meat, and bio-based P adsorption.•Otherapproaches focus on polyphosphate-accumulating microbes, biomineralization, andanaerobic treatment.•Advancingsuch technologies can create a circular P economy to improve food security and protectwater supplies.