Recovered Phosphorus from Wastewater as Fertiliser in North-Western Europe

Recovered phosphorus from wastewater and industrial streams, particularly struvite, is assessed for sustainable fertilizer use under EU and North-Western European regulations. The EU Fertiliser Regulation (EC 2003/2003) sets purity standards—80–110% theoretical struvite content and ≤2% total organic carbon—and establishes strict limits for heavy metals (Cd, Cr(VI), Hg, Ni, Pb, As) and organic pollutants (PAHs, pathogens, weed seeds). REACH (EC 1907/2006) applies across the EEA, with Berlin Wasserbetriebe successfully registering struvite as "Not Classified," requiring a "Letter of Access" for other producers. In the Netherlands, the 2015 Fertiliser Law includes recovered phosphates, subject to heavy metal and organic pollutant thresholds, supported by the Dutch Nutrient Platform and the 2011 Phosphate Value Chain Agreement. Belgium requires mutual recognition exemptions for trade, evaluating ammonia nitrogen (≥4–5%) and P₂O₅ solubility, with a €1,500 fee and four-month processing time. Flanders applies the VLAREMA regulation, mandating compliance with environmental quality standards and pollutant limits, with struvite sourced from potato processing wastewater. France requires marketing approval for non-standard fertilizers under Law No. 79-595 (1979). Germany’s Fertiliser Act (DüG) and associated regulations (DüV, DüMV) classify struvite as type 6.2.4 phosphate precipitates, with official monitoring at facilities like Wamsdorf wastewater treatment plant.