0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Policy & Risk Sign in to save

Impact of Emerging Contaminants on Aquatic Ecosystems: A Mini-Review

Research in Ecology 2025 Score: 48 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
El Mostapha Albou, Asmae Nouayti, Ali El Mansour, Ali Ait Boughrous

Summary

This mini-review examines how emerging contaminants—pharmaceuticals, pesticides, microplastics, and PFAS—enter aquatic ecosystems from industrial, urban, and agricultural sources, and summarizes their documented impacts on biodiversity and human health.

Emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistence, bioaccumulative nature, and ecological toxicity. This mini-review examines their major sources, including industrial effluents, urban runoff, and landfill leachate, and highlights their detrimental impacts on aquatic biodiversity and human health. By synthesizing current research, the review emphasizes the urgent need for improved monitoring, regulatory interventions, and innovative mitigation strategies. It provides a concise overview to guide future research and inform policies aimed at safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and public health.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Emerging Contaminants in Aquatic Ecosystems: Sources, Effects, and Mitigation Approaches

This study explores emerging pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, including drug residues, pesticides, heavy metals, and microplastics, examining their sources and ecological impacts. Researchers found that these contaminants accumulate in water bodies through industrial and agricultural pathways and may affect human health through the food chain. The study highlights the need for better monitoring technologies and integrated management strategies to protect water quality.

Article Tier 2

A comprehensive review of emerging contaminants in water sources

This comprehensive review examines the origins and environmental significance of emerging contaminants in water sources, including pharmaceuticals, microplastics, endocrine disruptors, and PFAS chemicals. Researchers found that these persistent pollutants exhibit complex behaviors in aquatic systems and pose threats to both ecosystem and human health. The study highlights the need for advanced monitoring and treatment technologies to address the growing challenge of emerging contaminant pollution in water supplies.

Article Tier 2

A Review of Emerging Environmental Contaminants of Global Concern

This review covers major categories of emerging environmental contaminants including pharmaceuticals, microplastics, pesticides, and endocrine disruptors, summarizing their sources, ecological effects, and detection methods. Recent advances in sensitive analytical techniques have accelerated the identification and monitoring of these pollutants.

Article Tier 2

Occurrence, fate, and toxicity of emerging contaminants in a diverse ecosystem

This review examined the occurrence, fate, and toxicity of emerging contaminants including microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and endocrine disruptors across diverse ecosystems, tracing their pathways from wastewater treatment systems into natural environments.

Article Tier 2

Toxicological implications of emerging pollutants on aquatic organisms

Researchers reviewed how a broad range of emerging pollutants — including microplastics, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and heavy metals — harm aquatic organisms like fish, amphibians, and molluscs. Evidence shows these pollutants trigger oxidative stress, disrupt hormones, impair reproduction, and reduce biodiversity, with the review calling for stronger regulations, better wastewater treatment, and more research on the combined effects of multiple pollutants.

Share this paper