Transforming Phosphogypsum Waste into Sustainable Solutions

Phosphogypsum, once seen as a waste byproduct, is now at the center of discussions among the U.S. government, lobbyists, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), environmental activists, and industry leaders. This renewed interest follows the recent approval in Florida for phosphogypsum to be used in road construction, a milestone that could redefine how this material is managed and repurposed.

What is Phosphogypsum?

Phosphogypsum is an industrial byproduct generated during the production of phosphate based fertilizers. When phosphate rock is processed to produce phosphoric acid a crucial component of fertilizers phosphogypsum is formed as a residual material. It primarily consists of calcium sulfate but also contains trace elements and minor impurities.

The Challenges of Phosphogypsum Disposal

The global fertilizer industry produces millions of tons of phosphogypsum annually. Due to regulatory restrictions on its usage, much of it remains unused, leading to storage challenges and environmental risks, including:

Land occupation and landscape alteration
Potential leaching of heavy metals and radionuclides
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with stockpiling and management

Emerging Opportunities for Phosphogypsum Utilization

Florida's approval of phosphogypsum in road construction marks a significant step in exploring sustainable solutions for industrial byproducts. This initiative represents a collaborative effort to explore innovative, sustainable applications for industrial byproducts. The project has gained attention from regulatory agencies, environmental organizations, and industry leaders as a potential breakthrough in sustainable infrastructure.

At Airovation, we see this as a promising step in unlocking phosphogypsum’s potential for infrastructure development and beyond. The use of phosphogypsum in road construction and other applications presents an opportunity to create sustainable solutions for industrial byproducts. Our commitment to waste transformation extends beyond infrastructure, as we continue to develop technologies that leverage phosphogypsum in carbon capture, chemical production, and soil conditioning. By integrating advanced processing solutions, we aim to enhance the purity and usability of phosphogypsum-derived materials, making them safer and more widely applicable across industries. Technological advancements continue to reveal new possibilities for repurposing phosphogypsum across multiple industries.

Some promising applications are currently in the research and pilot testing phases, while others have seen limited industrial use:

Construction and Building Materials - Phosphogypsum has been tested as a raw material in cement, plaster, and drywall production. While some pilot projects have shown promise, widespread industrial adoption remains limited due to regulatory and safety concerns.
Agriculture and Soil Amendment - Processed phosphogypsum has been used in controlled agricultural trials to improve soil health. However, large-scale use is still under regulatory review in many regions.
Carbon Capture and Utilization and Storage (CCUS) - Innovative CCUS technologies are in early research and testing phases, exploring the potential use of phosphogypsum to store carbon dioxide in mineral form. While promising, further development is required before commercial applications can be realized.
Road and Infrastructure Development - Initial studies suggest that stabilized phosphogypsum may offer durability and strength similar to traditional road construction materials. However, full-scale implementation is still under assessment in many areas.
Rare Earth Element Recovery - The extraction of rare earth elements from phosphogypsum is currently in the experimental stage, with ongoing research aimed at determining its economic viability and efficiency.

The Future of Phosphogypsum: Sustainability and Regulations

Phosphogypsum usage is subject to strict environmental and health regulations in many countries due to concerns over radioactivity and heavy metal contamination. Key regulations include:

United States: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently approved the use of phosphogypsum in road construction projects in Florida, marking a shift in its regulatory stance. While historically restricted due to naturally occurring radioactive materials, this decision signals a potential expansion of phosphogypsum applications under controlled conditions.
European Union: Regulatory frameworks under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and environmental directives guide phosphogypsum disposal and potential utilization in construction and agriculture.
China & India: Both countries are exploring regulatory frameworks that promote phosphogypsum reuse in construction and infrastructure projects, aligning with circular economy strategies.
Other Countries: Many developing nations are working on adapting their regulations to balance environmental safety with the economic potential of phosphogypsum reuse.

As regulatory bodies continue to reassess phosphogypsum’s risks and benefits, the potential for broader industrial adoption depends on further scientific studies, technological advancements, and policy updates.

With increasing pressure to find sustainable solutions for industrial byproducts, many governments and regulatory bodies are revisiting guidelines for phosphogypsum utilization. Research institutions, industries, and policymakers must collaborate to develop safe, scalable, and economically viable pathways for its use.

Airovation's Controbution to Phosphogypsum Valorization

At Airovation, we are committed to transforming industrial waste into valuable resources. Through our advanced carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies, we explore innovative ways to integrate phosphogypsum into sustainable applications, aligning with global efforts to reduce waste and emissions. By partnering with industries seeking circular economy solutions, we aim to redefine the role of phosphogypsum in a greener future.

For years, phosphogypsum has been viewed as an environmental burden, but emerging research and technological advancements are revealing its vast potential across industries. From construction to agriculture, carbon capture, rare earth recovery, and chemical production, the opportunities for sustainable utilization are vast. However, many of these applications are still in research or pilot phases, requiring further investment and regulatory support. By leveraging innovation and continued development, we can turn this industrial byproduct into a valuable resource for a more sustainable future.

*This article reflects publicly available information and Airovation Technologies perspective. It is not intended as regulatory or scientific advice.