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Phosphorus flow analysis of the socioeconomic ecosystem of Shucheng County, China
Author(s) -
Yuan Zengwei,
Sun Li,
Bi Jun,
Wu Huijun,
Zhang Ling
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
ecological applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.864
H-Index - 213
eISSN - 1939-5582
pISSN - 1051-0761
DOI - 10.1890/10-1409.1
Subject(s) - socioeconomic status , eutrophication , ecosystem , material flow analysis , environmental science , nutrient , china , socioeconomic development , ecology , phosphorus , nutrient cycle , sustainable development , geography , environmental protection , environmental resource management , biology , environmental health , chemistry , economics , economic growth , medicine , population , archaeology , organic chemistry
Human activities disturb the long‐term phosphorus (P) cycle in nature, whereby the resulting intensive release of P contributes to the eutrophication of surface water. Hence, a detailed understanding of P flow as it relates to socioeconomic systems is essential for effective nutrient management. This study develops a substance‐flow‐analysis model for P metabolism for the socioeconomic ecosystem of Shucheng County in Anhui Province in central China as a case study. We estimate P flow using data from questionnaires, face‐to‐face interviews, published literature, and official statistical databases. Our results show that P flow in Shucheng's current socioeconomic system is linear and openly metabolic. The total P input into Shucheng in 2008 reached 12 748 Mg, mainly as P ores and crops. In all, 43.83% of the total P input was exported, and 30.44% was discharged into surface water. More‐balanced nutrient management and options for improving nutrient use efficiency are discussed. The quantifiable, science‐based methods used in this study may be applied to neighboring regions of central China for sustainable development and water management.