A Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Use of Phosphogypsum in the Brazilian South Region Agriculture

In Brazil, about half of the phosphogypsum generated by the phosphoric acid production is used in agriculture as amendment of acid soils and, in less extension, in the cement industry. The advantages of using phosphogypsum in agriculture, as a source of sulphur and calcium and as an amendment for acid soils with high levels of aluminium are well known. In addition, studies on economic-environmental aspects of the use of phosphogypsum in agriculture have shown higher crop yields and best quality of vegetable products. This paper addresses a cost benefit analysis to evaluate the impact of this practice on corn cultivation on the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Information regarding all costs and benefits (increase in yield of crops due to phosphogypsum use) were compared. A radiological and chemical characterization of the phosphogypsum used was performed and information regarding all costs and benefits (increase in yield of crops due to phosphogypsum use) were compared. The radiological assessment is carried out by calculating the individual effective dose due to ingestion of these products. (author)