Input-output analysis of the phosphorus recycle of the Chinese phosphor industry

The material flow of phosphorus was analyzed using the Input-Output Analysis (IOA) method to improve sustainable development of the Chinese phosphor industry. Five effective techniques were identified to improve the industry including producing controlled release fertilizers and phosphor recover from rural latrines and city sewage to improve the utilization and cycle efficiency of the phosphor industry. Quantitative indices such as cycle efficiencies and flow path lengths were calculated for these schemes. The results show that the current cycle efficiency and material utilization can be significantly improved by these recycling techniques.