Advancements in phosphorus species profiling and bioavailability assessment with implications for phosphorus sustainability

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient that governs ecosystem productivity, drives global biogeochemical cycles, and plays a central role in water–energy–food nexus. The increasing scarcity of P reserves and their environmental losses necessitate precise detection to monitor P in all contexts for effective and sustainable resource management. This review highlights recent advances in analytical techniques for P speciation and bioavailability across environmental matrices, including both bulk and single-cell methods. Furthermore, recent emerging insights into microbial P cycling were discussed, particularly the role of polyphosphate and polyphosphate-accumulating organisms in dynamic P transformations. By emphasizing the sustainability implications of P, we stress the importance of precise and quantitative detection methods to inform sustainable P management and mitigate the global P crisis.