Mitigating nutrient losses in Europe: Synergistic solutions for air and water pollution by 2050

Agriculture and urbanization often cause nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses, and associated environmental impacts in Europe. Here, we aim to quantify the effects of using recovered N from manure processing and recovered P from treated sewage sludge, increasing N and P use efficiencies in agriculture, and improving sewage treatments on reducing future nutrient emissions to the air, and losses to rivers and seas of Europe. Exploring synergistic options we show that 30 % less N is expected in the air via ReNuRe products and higher N use efficiency by 2050. Rivers are projected to receive 23–68 % less nutrients relative to the future baseline scenario. These rivers may export up to two-thirds less nutrients relative to the future baseline. Recovered P from treated sewage sludge can fulfill P fertilizer need in Europe in 2050. Our analysis supports the adoption of bio-based fertilizers to mitigate nutrient losses and contributes to circular economy.