Sustainable Phosphogypsum Management in the Circular Economy: Innovations for Environmental Risk Mitigation and Resource Efficiency ‒ Global Perspectives with Indian Insights
Keywords:
Phosphogypsum,, Hazardous impurities, Environmental footprint, Circular economy, Sustainable developmentAbstract
The rapid growth of the global population, coupled with the escalating demand for food, has led to increased reliance on phosphate-based fertilizers vital for ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity. However, the large-scale production of these fertilizers, particularly through the wet-process method for phosphoric acid manufacturing, generates significant volumes of phosphogypsum (PG), a byproduct primarily composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO₄·2H₂O). For every ton of phosphoric acid produced, approximately 4 to 6 tons of PG are generated, resulting in a global annual output of over 300 million tons. India contributes significantly to this total, generating an estimated 11–12 million tons of PG each year. PG poses serious environmental and public health concerns due to the presence of hazardous impurities and naturally occurring radionuclides such as radium-226. A majority of this waste is stockpiled in vast, unprotected stacks, leading to soil degradation, water contamination, radon gas emissions, and long-term ecological risks. Despite its potential for reuse, only about 15% of PG is currently recycled, leaving the remainder as a growing liability due to inadequate disposal practices. This manuscript presents a comprehensive review of PG generation, its environmental implications, and the global and national regulatory frameworks governing its management. Emphasis is placed on sustainable research and development (R&D) initiatives aimed at safe handling and value-added utilization of PG. Case studies from India highlight key aspects of PG management, including its generation from phosphoric acid production, estimated output across the fertilizer industry, analysis of PG at selected plants, and industry-wise disposal practices across the country. The review also examines international and Indian guidelines such as those from the atomic energy regulatory board (AERB) and the international atomic energy agency (IAEA) which guide the safe use of PG in various sectors. Additionally, the economic aspects of PG stack maintenance and closure are discussed, highlighting the financial burden associated with long-term storage and the pressing need for circular economic solutions. The paper advocates for the adoption of pretreatment technologies, stricter regulatory enforcement, and broader recycling strategies aligned with circular economy principles to minimize the environmental footprint of PG and promote sustainability in the fertilizer industry.
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