Phosphorus, a cornerstone of global food production, has become a double-edged sword under current management practices. Over-reliance on finite phosphate rock reserves threatens the food security of many nations, while inefficient fertilizer use and inadequate wastewater treatment cause widespread water pollution through eutrophication. This degradation severely harms freshwater and marine ecosystems, impacting biodiversity, drinking water safety, and aquatic food supplies.

Confronted by this dual crisis, scientists are issuing a clear call to action: countries urgently need to develop and implement National Sustainable Phosphorus Plans. The core objective of such plans is to drive a fundamental shift from a“linear”model of phosphorus use—where it is mined, used, and lost as pollution—to an“intelligent circular”system. This transition aims to simultaneously secure both food production and environmental health.

The strength of this planning approach lies in its integrated, systemic methodology. It moves beyond single technological fixes to create an actionable framework combining scientific assessment, infrastructure development, and policy and financial tools. A key first step is to map national“Phosphorus Hotspots”—critical zones with the highest recycling potential (like urban wastewater plants and large livestock operations) and the greatest need for pollution reduction (such as sensitive watersheds). Subsequently, plans must foster the development of tailored recovery infrastructure and supply chains. This involves transforming phosphorus-rich organic waste into safe, farmer-friendly fertilizer products and optimizing regional land-use planning to minimize the need for long-distance transport of these materials.