Research project In this project, we identify various barriers to the circular use of both micro- and macronutrients with a focus on material properties such as leachability, process-dependent properties such as fractionation of elements, but also goal conflicts in current or future legislation that affect how micro- and macronutrients can be returned within sustainable and bio-based value chains.
The rising demand for sustainably produced biomass necessitates circular use of micro and macronutrients. These elements, bound in biomass, end up in various products and streams. Barriers to their circularity exist, such as material properties and legislation. Nitrogen can be reclaimed from wastewater, but other elements like phosphorus, often in solid forms, require different strategies for their circular use. This project identifies these barriers, focusing on material properties, element fractionation, and legislative conflicts.
The increasing demand for sustainably produced biomass for various products places high demands on the circular use of both micro- and macronutrients. When biomass grows in forests, on fields, or in water, these elements are bound in products, residual streams or side streams in a value chain. There are various barriers for circularity of these elements. Nitrogen can be captured from waste water, but capture from gas is unusual today. Other elements, such as phosphorus and many micronutrients, are often present in solid materials. Different strategies are therefore required to simplify their circular use in the right chemical form.
In this project, we identify various barriers to circular use with a focus on material properties such as leachability, process-dependent properties such as fractionation of elements, but also goal conflicts in current or upcoming legislation that affect how micro- and macronutrients can be returned within sustainable, bio-based value chains.
