Establishment of Phosphorus Flow Model in Urban Area using Material Flow Analysis

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for all living organisms. P is mostly obtained from mined rock phosphate. However, existing rock phosphate reserves could be exhausted in the next 50‐100 years. As Korea is totally dependent on imported rock phosphate, we should seek for solution to overcome the P depletion by efficient use and recycling. For this, this study suggested a P flow model to identify the location and flow route of P in urban area based on traditional material flow analysis. The type of P entering the urban areas are fertilizer, food and feed. Each type of P is used in agriculture, human consumption and animal husbandry. After going through each process, P is moved to waste management facilities within food waste, excreta and sewage. Some portion of P in waste are buried, incinerated and discharged, which can be reservoir of P in the future.