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Project Code [23/NCF/FF/11558]
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Project title
Non-aqueous Generation of Soluble Phosphate Fertiliser from Solid Agricultural Biowaste for Sustainable Agrifood Systems
Primary Funding Agency
Science Foundation Ireland
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
Lead Organisation
University College Dublin
Lead Applicant
Not listed
Project Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is depleting rapidly leading, in the near future, to global phosphorus famine. The EU is under tremendous pressure to reduce reliance on imports of this critical raw material and replacing them with extraction of pure phosphoric acid from contaminated phosphate rock and extractive recycling of marketable grade phosphate from agricultural and domestic waste. The challenge is to radically change phosphate mining, processing and recycling in Ireland, the EU and later globally. We propose an entirely new technological response to this challenge by gaining pure phosphate compounds from secondary sources: sewage sludge, animal/plant ash and low-grade ores. The key chemical step, deoxychlorination (DOC), will be combined with well-established industrial steps to form a close-loop operation providing high-grade phosphate fertilisers. The DOC technology proposed by the Applicant Team will be laboratory-evaluated. The process will be reduced to practice in a prototype operation and the pure fertiliser generated will be field-tested by co-applicant. The promotion, global impact and dissemination of the new technology will be led by the Societal Champion who represents one of world�s leading industrial phosphorus stakeholders.
Grant Approved
�304,826.00
Research Hub
Climate Change
Research Theme
3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities
Initial Projected Completion Date
28/02/2025