In what way does nutrient recovery contribute to environmental sustainability?

Nutrient recovery contributes to environmental sustainability primarily by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This process involves the extraction of valuable nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from wastewater or organic waste, which can then be repurposed as fertilizers. By utilizing these recovered nutrients rather than relying on synthetic alternatives, we minimize the environmental impact associated with the production and application of chemical fertilizers, such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, this practice can enhance soil health and agricultural productivity while conserving natural resources, making it a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices. Using recovered nutrients helps to close the nutrient loop, benefiting both the environment and agricultural sectors. Other options do not align with the principles of sustainability; for instance, increasing wastewater volume or focusing solely on solid waste does not directly address the need for resource recovery, and promoting industrial waste discharge could exacerbate environmental issues rather than mitigate them.