SINFERT: Non-aqueous Generation of Soluble Inorganic Phosphate Fertiliser from Solid Agricultural Biowaste for Sustainable Agrifood Systems
The conceptual foundation of the mild deoxychlorination (DOC) process was laid by Dr. Kirill Nikitin between 2016 and 2020. Its development was rapidly accelerated only in 2023 with crucial funding from Research Ireland. This investment provided the vital resources needed to foster an interdisciplinary collaboration between University College of Dublin's School of Chemistry and the School of Agriculture, moving the technology from a laboratory concept toward real-world application.
Initial tests of DOC extraction of solid feedstock produced clean P under mild conditions. Through 2023-2024 optimization, the project achieved >90% P extraction on most substrates and confirmed DOC can run at ambient pressure, with zero metal contamination in the final products. In 2024-2025, plant trials proved DOC fertilisers match the performance of commercial fertilisers. An industrial-scale pilot and a techno-economic assessment in late 2025 confirmed industrial and commercial feasibility. A life-cycle assessment indicated DOC fertiliser production could emit up to 75% less GHG than conventional P fertilisers from P-rock.
Project Partners
- University College Dublin
- Dawn Meats
- ICL Fertilisers Europe
- European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform
Project coordinator & communications officer
Dr Kirill Nikitin
Kirill.nikitin@ucd.ie
University College Dublin
Sara Guigui
Sara.guigui@ucd.ie
University College Dublin
Project channels
