Taking the P out of pollution: an English perspective on phosphorus stewardship and the Water Framework Directive

Freshwater eutrophication is an international concern caused by increases in the supply of nutrients to water bodies from their catchments. It has been recognised as an issue in England since the late 1980s and 1990s. However, the problem had started to develop in earlier decades. The current state of play and future prospects in reducing phosphorus concentrations in English rivers and lakes are discussed. This includes an exploration of the challenges in attempting to achieve stringent phosphorus standards, in order to control eutrophication, while also wishing to manage phosphorus better, as a non-renewable resource. Phosphorus stewardship ultimately needs to address both the resource efficiency aspects of phosphorus management and the environmental objectives. However, some tension between these aspirations is identified and potential future management approaches are outlined.