@ARTICLE{Owczarek_Maja_Technological_2026,
 author={Owczarek, Maja and Siwek, Hanna},
 number={No 68},
 journal={Journal of Water and Land Development},
 pages={214–223},
 howpublished={online},
 year={2026},
 publisher={Polish Academy of Sciences; Institute of Technology and Life Sciences - National Research Institute},
 abstract={The depletion of natural nutrient resources, rising fertiliser production costs, and increasing environmental pressures have intensified interest in the recovery of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from waste streams. This review critically examines nutrient-rich waste streams and systematically evaluates key nutrient recovery technologies according to their technology readiness levels (TRL). The analysis distinguishes between well-established biological processes and emerging innovative methods. It also addresses a persistent research and implementation gap between rapid technological development and limited political, municipal, and infrastructural readiness for large-scale deployment, particularly within existing wastewater treatment systems. Particular attention is given to regulatory drivers, including EU Directive 2024/3019, which introduces stricter effluent limits of 10 mg N∙dm–3 and 0.7 mg P∙dm−3 for agglomerations with a population equivalent between 10,000 and 150,000. These requirements necessitate costly infrastructure modernisation and process adaptation. The review identifies infrastructural constraints as the main barrier to implementation. At the same time, it highlights opportunities for integrating multi-stage approaches to ensure both environmental safety and resource efficiency. Social and legal aspects are also evaluated, with particular emphasis on psychological resistance and the necessity of compliance with Regulation EU No. 2019/1009 as critical factors influencing market acceptance. By synthesising technological, regulatory, and economic perspectives, this review contributes to closing knowledge gaps in nutrient cycling and supports stakeholders in advancing circular economy (CE) principles within waste management systems.},
 title={Technological potential for nutrient recovery in the context of the circular economy},
 type={Article},
 URL={http://www.czasopisma.pan.pl/Content/138647/2026-01-JWLD-20.pdf},
 doi={10.24425/jwld.2026.157837},
 keywords={circular economy, nitrogen and phosphorus recycling, nutrient recovery, waste management, wastewater management},
}