Eutrophication of food consumption per person

Definition

The increase in phosphorous and nitrogen concentration (measured in phosphate equivalent) in water and soil as a result of current food consumption patterns. Food consumption is estimated using FAO Food Balance Sheets data as a proxy.

Relevance

Excess fertilizer application during food production can lead to runoff into streams and rivers and subsequent eutrophication of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Eutrophication leads to fish dieback from lack of oxygen and other environmental harms.

Additional Information

Poore, J., & Nemecek, T. (2018). Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers. Science, 360(6392), 987-992.