ABSTRACT
The development of the purication of phosphoric acid is intertwined with the history and development of both phosphorus and phosphatic fertilizers. The end of the twentieth century saw the consolidation of this industry with fewer corporations and larger plants taking their raw materials from fewer sources. It is quite possible that during the next 50 years that situation will reverse with small local plants utilizing locally recycled sources. Consequently, it may be that some of the lessons learned in the development of the industry as it grew globally could be useful should the industry move locally.
