Defining nutrient co-location typologies for human-derived supply and crop demands to advance resource recovery

Resource recovery from human excreta can advance circular economies while improving access to sanitation and renewable agricultural inputs. Proximity between human-derived nutrient supply and crop nutrient demands influence how nutrients are recovered in order to be a competitive alternative to synthetic fertilizers. For 107 countries, we analyze the co-location of human-derived nutrients and crop demands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. To characterize co-location patterns, we fit data for each country to a generalized logistic function. We identified three typologies: (i) dislocated nutrient production and demand resulting from high density agriculture (with low population density) and nutrient islands (e.g., high density cities) requiring nutrient concentration and transport; (ii) co-located nutrient production and demand enabling local reuse; and (iii) countries spanning the continuum between these two extremes. Finally, we explored connections between these typologies and country-specific contextual characteristics via principal component analysis (PCA) and found the human development index (HDI) was a strong indicator of the country’s affiliated typology based on its nutrient landscape. By providing a generalizable, quantitative framework for characterizing the co-location of excreted nutrients and agricultural needs, these typologies can advance resource recovery by informing resource recovery strategies, investment, and enabling policies.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Environ Engr in Civil Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2020

Author dc:creator

• Echevarria, Desarae Monique

Contributors dc:contributor

• Guest, Jeremy S

• Fertilizer
• Co-location
• Sanitation
• Agriculture

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2020 Desarae M. Echevarria

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108630

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/108630