Emerging Contaminants in Water Systems: Detection, Environmental Impacts, and Sustainable Removal Solutions

Emerging contaminants in wastewater pose a significant threat to environmental and human health. These contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine disruptors, and microplastics, are not eliminated by traditional wastewater treatment processes and are increasingly detected in water bodies worldwide. Their presence has raised concerns about the potential impacts on aquatic life, water quality, and human consumption. The sources of emerging contaminants are different, ranging from domestic and industrial wastewater to agricultural runoff and urban stormwater. Advanced treatment technologies, such as membrane bioreactors and advanced oxidation processes, have shown promise in removing these contaminants. However, their implementation is hindered by high costs, energy requirements, and lack of regulations. Further research is needed to develop effective and sustainable solutions for managing emerging contaminants in wastewater, including source reduction, improved treatment technologies, and policy changes. Addressing this issue is crucial for protecting public health and preserving water resources for future generations. This review address different emerging contaminants, their impact on environment, their detection methods, and throws the light on different effective techniques to eliminate these contaminants from wastewater.