A Bird’s Eye View on Phosphorus and Derivatives

Phosphorus (P) is invaluable in a host of industries, including agriculture, food, and detergents, among others.

Fertilizer is a pivotal outlet for phosphates while industrial phosphates are sought-after in personal hygiene, construction, and food.

Lately, the application of detergents has been influenced due to environmental pressure.

Needless to say, phosphorus and derivatives cater to various needs, including nutrients for body functioning, reducing arable land, growth of Halogen Free Flame Retardants (HFFR), use of biofuels, and burgeoning population.

Fortune Business Insights™ anticipates that the market for phosphorus and derivatives will touch USD 85.01 billion by 2028.

Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries—a Key Proposition to Phosphorus and Derivatives

Stakeholders have started identifying new markets in water treatment and electric vehicles.

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries have found increased traction in solar devices, cars, and bicycles.

They have become a trendier alternative to lead-acid starter batteries.

It is worth noting that these batteries are structurally and environmentally safe.

They are comparatively cooler than other batteries and do not heat up easily.

LFP has received a considerable uptick vis-à-vis lead acid batteries and other lithium batteries, partly due to its lightweight, longer life span, charge efficiency, improved discharge, and safety attributes.

High power density causes lithium iron phosphate batteries to be lightweight and small.

With reduced downtime and increased efficiency, lithium-ion phosphate can function in a wide temperature range, making LFP a vital proposition for a range of applications.

Agricultural Phosphorus Gains Ground

Phosphorus and derivatives are instrumental for plant growth, contributing to fruiting, flowering, and root development.

The use of phosphorus from chemical fertilizers has gained a tremendous uptick globally.

It is worth mentioning that it helps in plant maturation, root development, and seed development.

It is widely known that phosphorus and derivatives:

• Promote resistance to winter kill
• Boost resistance to root rot diseases
• Increase root growth
• Propel early plant maturity
• Propel stalk strength

Eutrophication could lead to reduced dissolved oxygen and increased algal growth. Some of the harmful impacts of eutrophication are:

• Increased cost and difficulty in purifying drinking water
• Increased sedimentation
• Prevalence of insects & pests
• Undesirable odors

Phosphorus in Food and Flame Retardants

Phosphorus has played a vital role in the way the body uses fats and carbohydrates.

Further, it also helps in nerve signaling, kidney function, normal heartbeat, and muscle contractions.

Apart from preventing bacteria and mold growth, it gives soft drinks a tangy flavor.

Lately, phosphorus flame retardants have become trendier as a class of additive to boost the fire safety of flammable materials, including textiles, plastics, paper, and wood.

Notably, the ease of flammability of textiles has encouraged stakeholders to inject funds into additives.

The use of advanced phosphorus-based flame retardants has become pronounced as an alternative to toxic flame retardant products.

Additives of phosphorus and derivatives have exhibited tremendous suitability and high efficiency for various fabrics and fibers.

Sustainable Solutions of Phosphorus and Derivatives Management

There is no denying that phosphorus fertilizers in agricultural land have enhanced crop production and soil fertility; however, potentially low phosphorus use efficiency could pose environmental risks.

It could be instrumental in keeping up with the food demand in 2022 and beyond.

The caveat is that it has driven the load on the freshwater ecosystem, leading to environmental problems.

Sustainability could hold ground in the ensuing period as governments and other stakeholders are expected to underpin innovative and sustainability-related research & development activities.

About the author:

Sunil Kumar Jha has been a part of the content industry for close to four years.

He focuses on penning down articles across a host of topics, spanning from business and technology to trade, finance and the English language.

Sunil brings forth the expertise of intensive research and a strategic approach in his pieces.

He is pursuing Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication.