A systematic review of phosphogypsum recycling industry based on the survey data in China – applications, drivers, obstacles, and solutions

Abstract

The development of phosphogypsum (PG) recycling industry plays an important role in promoting the environmentally friendly transition of the phosphorus chemical industry, worldwide. China is the leading producer of phosphate and PG in the world, as the development of PG recycling industry in China has already generated very promising outcomes. Over 80% of China's total PG production in contributed collectively by four provinces, including Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou, and Yunnan. By conducting an in-depth investigation to 18 representative companies involved in PG recycling allocated in these four provinces, the purpose of this study is acquired a comprehensive insight into the status quo of the development of PG recycling industry in China and its prevalent challenges. The results indicate that, first, recycled PG can be used in various applications, which predominantly encompassing in cement retarder, construction materials, engineering application, polymer materials, underground back filling, ecological restoration, sulfur acid, fertilizers, soil amendment, crafts, etc. Second, the key drivers behind the development of PG recycling industry include types of companies, technological innovation, products and markets, industrial policies, and geographical location. Third, the obstacles hindering the development of PG recycling industry include: a scarcity of innovative PG recycling companies; an absence of comprehensive technical evaluation standards and high-value technological breakthroughs; challenges in promoting PG-based products in the market; insufficient support from industrial policies; and the lack of geographical advantages contributing to sluggish industrial progress in specific regions. Fourth, the recommended corresponding solutions encompass: facilitating the transformation and upgrading of phosphorus chemical companies and promoting the coordinated development of PG recycling companies; instituting a technical evaluation standardized system and promoting high-value technologies; broadening the market channels and establishing a reproducible and scalable PG recycling industrial development model; accelerating the enhancement of industrial policies; and developing plans suitable for regional PG recycling industry based on local conditions.