The current system to manage phosphorus is extremely inefficient. One major reason relates to the loss of phosphorus from the food chain, where it can transfer to animal wastes and run-off, which can lead to water pollution, algal blooms, eutrophication and fish kills.
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for animals, plants and microbes. The current system to manage phosphorus is extremely inefficient. One major reason relates to the loss of phosphorus from the food chain, where it can bind to soils and transfer to animal wastes and run-off, which can lead to water pollution, algal blooms, eutrophication and even fish kills. Khara Grieger, Ph.D., argues that overall, our society needs more sustainable solutions to solve our global phosphorus paradox. The Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, led by researchers at NC State and in partnership with several other institutions, aims to facilitate these solutions through combining science, technology and innovation together with social sciences, communication and stakeholder engagement.
Grieger is an assistant professor and extension specialist in environmental health & risk assessment at NC State. Her research focuses on developing best practices for risk assessment, risk analysis and governance of emerging risks and new technologies. Grieger’s work also focuses on extending and translating complex knowledge to diverse stakeholders to inform decisions. For example and among other roles, she currently serves as project director for a USDA/NIFA-funded grant that investigates societal implications of new nano- and bio-technologies used in food and agriculture. She also serves as a co-director of Knowledge Transfer of the Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center, where she connects researchers and stakeholders to co-create knowledge related to phosphorus sustainability.