Phosphorus Recovery From Surface Waters: Protecting Public Health and Closing the Nutrient Cycle

摘要

Phosphorus (P) pollution of surface waters contributes to hazardous algal blooms, posing a significant public health risk from contact with toxins released by the algae. Replenishing P depleted from agricultural soils poses additional public health risks from pollution associated with fertilizer production and the exhaustion of limited domestic P deposits. Environmental health professional responsibilities can impact sources of P pollution, such as onsite wastewater treatment systems, land use planning, watershed and drinking water protection, and stormwater control. The watershed planning process provides an opportunity for environmental health professionals to become involved in protecting public health by assuring the most cost-effective strategies for P control and recovery.