Scenario oriented strategies for phosphorus management by using environmental nanotechnology

Phosphorus (P) is the determinant factor of eutrophication and a critical element for human life. In order to close the P loop from human perspective, researchers have developed enormous technologies for P removal and recovery, among which the nano-enabled technologies are the most promising candidates. Despite the efforts, P pollution still persist worldwide, which call for reflections on recent studies of relevance, as well as the coming challenges and opportunities in the near future. This review attempts to provide a scenario-based overview (i.e. P advanced treatment, P recovery, and P immobilization) on current trends in the field, highlighting the cutting-edge developments and discoveries (e.g. adsorption) that best fit the purpose of each scenario by seven metrics. This review summarizes the potential merits and impacts of nanotechnology (e.g. size effect, nanoconfinement effect) on the given applications, and finally envisions the paths for future research and practical application.