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PEF names this category Eutrophication, freshwater. The metric and unit (kg P eq) are the same as in ReCiPe 2016; only the word “potential” is omitted.

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Definition

Freshwater Eutrophication Potential (FEP) measures the enrichment of freshwater ecosystems with nutrients, particularly phosphorus (P), leading to excessive algae growth and subsequent ecosystem degradation. It is expressed in kilograms of phosphorus equivalent (kg P eq.) using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors.

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Environmental Mechanism

Eutrophication occurs when excessive nutrients enter water bodies, causing:
  • Algal blooms that block sunlight from reaching underwater plants
  • Oxygen depletion as algae die and decompose
  • Death of fish and other aquatic organisms due to oxygen depletion
  • Reduced biodiversity in affected water bodies
  • Decreased water quality for human use
  • Potential toxic algal blooms harmful to humans and wildlife
In freshwater ecosystems, phosphorus is typically the limiting nutrient, meaning its addition most directly stimulates algal growth.

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Calculation in GREENZERO Journey

GREENZERO Journey calculates FEP by:
  1. Identifying emissions to water bodies throughout a product’s lifecycle
  2. Converting each emission to its phosphorus equivalent using characterization factors from ReCiPe 2016
  3. Summing all phosphorus equivalents to determine the total FEP
About ReCiPe 2016ReCiPe 2016 is a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method that provides characterization factors for converting inventory data into environmental impact indicators. It is not a methodology itself, but rather a comprehensive database of impact assessment factors developed by Dutch research institutes.The method provides characterization factors that translate emissions and resource use into standardized impact units (e.g., kg CO₂ eq. for climate change, kg SO₂ eq. for acidification). GREENZERO Journey follows ISO 14040/44 methodological standards while using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors for impact calculations.

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Environmental Cost Conversion

The FEP impact is converted to environmental cost using the CE Delft cost factor: CE Delft Cost Factor for FEP: €3.74 per kg P eq. This factor represents the societal cost of damage from freshwater eutrophication, including:
  • Ecosystem damage and biodiversity loss
  • Reduced recreational value of water bodies
  • Water treatment costs
  • Reduced property values near affected water bodies
  • Economic impacts on fishing and tourism

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Example Calculation

For a product with an FEP of 0.02 kg P eq. per piece: 
Environmental Cost = FEP × CE Delft Factor
Environmental Cost = 0.02 kg P eq. × €3.74/kg P eq.
Environmental Cost = €0.07 per piece

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Interpretation

Freshwater eutrophication impacts are highly localized but can have severe consequences for affected ecosystems. Key contributors to FEP in product lifecycles typically include:
  • Agricultural activities (fertilizer runoff)
  • Wastewater discharge
  • Detergent use
  • Food processing
  • Certain industrial processes

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Reduction Strategies

Common strategies to reduce FEP include:
  • Precision agriculture to minimize fertilizer use
  • Improved wastewater treatment
  • Buffer zones between agricultural land and water bodies
  • Phosphorus-free detergents
  • Process optimization to reduce phosphorus-containing waste
  • Water recycling in industrial processes

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Data Quality Considerations

When interpreting FEP results, consider:
  • Local sensitivity of receiving water bodies
  • Seasonal variations in impact
  • Transport mechanisms of phosphorus to water bodies
  • Background nutrient levels in affected areas
FEP often correlates with other impact categories, particularly:
  • Marine Eutrophication Potential
  • Water Use
  • Ecotoxicity Potential
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