Chemical behaviour and environmental fate of emerging contaminants: Persistence, transformation, and advanced remediation approaches

Emerging environmental contaminants (ECs) represent a diverse class of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, and engineered nanomaterials. These substances, often present in trace concentrations, have become a growing concern due to their persistence, bioactivity, and ability to accumulate in environmental and biological systems, leading to potential long-term risks for both public health and ecosystems. As global industrialization, urbanization, and the widespread use of consumer products continue, ECs are increasingly found in various environmental compartments, such as water, soil, and air, where they may remain for extended periods. This chapter delves into the chemical properties and environmental fate of ECs, focusing on their resistance to degradation and ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnify through food webs. Despite their low concentrations, ECs can have significant toxicological effects, including endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity, which can extend to humans and wildlife. Traditional monitoring systems, which were designed for conventional pollutants, struggle to detect these emerging threats, and current regulatory frameworks are inadequate in managing the risks associated with ECs. Given their persistence, the long-term ecological consequences of ECs, including disruptions to biodiversity and ecosystem health, are of increasing concern. The chapter advocates for proactive measures to address these pollutants, emphasizing the need for stronger global regulations, interdisciplinary research, and comprehensive environmental monitoring. By integrating chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, and policy, this chapter calls for a more unified and science-driven approach to mitigate the risks posed by ECs and protect both human health and the environment.