Introduction—Emerging Pollutants in Water: Threats, Challenges, and Research Needs

Water is indispensable for life, health, and environmental sustainability, as underscored by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Traditional water quality assessments have historically focused on pathogens, nutrients, and heavy metals. However, recent decades have witnessed growing concerns over Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), a diverse class of pollutants with potential risks to human health and ecosystems. CECs encompass pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine-disrupting compounds, and microplastics, entering water bodies via wastewater, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff. Their persistence and adverse effects pose significant challenges to water treatment technologies. This manuscript explores the scientific understanding, environmental fate, and societal implications of emerging pollutants globally. It highlights gaps in regulatory frameworks, monitoring data scarcity, and the urgent need for innovative strategies to mitigate and manage impacts of emerging pollutants in water. Drawing from international collaborations and advancements in scientific research, technology and policy, it advocates for integrated approaches to monitor, assess, and manage emerging pollutants, ensuring sustainable water resource management and safeguarding human and environmental health in a changing world.