Citation
Phosphorus cycle: A broken biogeochemical cycle
TL;DR
Phosphorus has no gaseous phase and no atmospheric reservoir
This analysis reveals the unique fragility of the phosphorus cycle - unlike nitrogen, phosphorus has no atmospheric reservoir and cannot be replenished once lost from ecosystems. Human disruption creates both scarcity (depleting finite phosphate rock reserves) and excess (eutrophication from agricultural runoff).
For circular economy design, phosphorus exemplifies resources requiring aggressive retention strategies. The paper's insight that 'lose it and it's gone' applies to any non-renewable or slowly-renewable resource. Organizations must identify their 'phosphorus equivalents' - critical resources with no atmospheric or easily accessible backup supply.
Key Findings from Elser & Bennett (2011)
- Phosphorus has no gaseous phase and no atmospheric reservoir
- Phosphate rock reserves are finite and being depleted
- Agricultural phosphorus runoff causes widespread eutrophication
- Phosphorus recovery and recycling are critical for long-term sustainability