We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Emerging pollutants in the environment: A challenge for water resource management
AI summary Read the abstract
This review surveys emerging pollutants in aquatic environments, including pharmaceuticals, microplastics, nanoparticles, and industrial chemicals that are not commonly monitored in water treatment. Researchers found that over 700 such substances have been identified across 22 countries, many of which persist through conventional water treatment processes. The study emphasizes the urgent need for updated monitoring frameworks and advanced treatment technologies to address these widespread but largely unregulated contaminants.
A significant number of emerging pollutants (EPs) resulting from point and diffuse pollution is present in the aquatic environment. These are chemicals that are not commonly monitored but have the potential to enter the environment and cause adverse ecological and human health effects. According to the NORMAN network, at least 700 substances categorized into 20 classes, have been identified in the European aquatic environment. In light of their potential impact action is urgently required. In this study, we present a concept that shows the current state of art and challenges for monitoring programs, fate and risk assessment tools and requirements for policies with respect to emerging pollutants as a base for sustainable water resource management. Currently, methods for sampling and analysis are not harmonized, being typically focused on certain EP classes. For a number of known highly hazardous EPs detection limits are too high to allow proper risk assessment. For other EPs such as microplastics method development is in its infancy. Advanced ultra-sensitive instrumental techniques should be used for quantitative determination of prioritized EPs in water, suspended matter, soil and biota. Data on EPs' and their metabolites' properties that determine their fate in the environment are often not available. National surveys on water quality often use different parameters for water quality assessment and often do not include EPs. A harmonized monitoring of surface and groundwater is not yet achieved and urgently required. Specific component integrated into models assessing the fate of EPs in a multi compartment environmental approach are missing and must be developed. The main goal of risk assessment is the overall protection of ecological communities in the aquatic environment and human health. New methods for assessing the cumulative risks from combined exposures to several stressors, including mixtures of EPs in a multi-scale approach are required. A combination of regulations and management measures with respect to use/emissions of EPs into the environment, as well as to their occurrence in the environment are fundamental to reach an efficient water resource management.
More Papers Like This
A comprehensive review of emerging contaminants in water sources
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
A Review of Global Occurrence of Emerging Pollutants in Wastewater: Present Status, Source/Pathway, Extraction and Detection Techniques
AI summary Read the abstract
This review surveyed global occurrence data for emerging pollutants — including microplastics, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and PFAS — in wastewater from 1998 to 2021, examining detection methods and contamination levels. The review highlights that many of these compounds are inadequately regulated and poorly removed by conventional wastewater treatment, allowing them to persist in water systems.
Understanding emerging contaminants in water and wastewater: A comprehensive review on detection, impacts, and solutions
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers emerging contaminants in water including pharmaceuticals, PFAS, microplastics, and nanomaterials that escape conventional water treatment and persist in the environment. It evaluates advanced detection techniques and newer treatment methods such as membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, and bioremediation to address these pollutants that pose ongoing risks to public health.
Introduction—Emerging Pollutants in Water: Threats, Challenges, and Research Needs
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines contaminants of emerging concern in water, including microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and endocrine-disrupting compounds, that are not adequately addressed by current water treatment and regulation. These pollutants enter water through wastewater, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff and persist in the environment. The authors call for better monitoring and innovative treatment strategies to protect human health and water resources.
A review of occurrence of emerging contaminants and the advanced analytical techniques used for detection and removal of these pollutants in wastewater
AI summary Read the abstract
This review surveys the occurrence of emerging contaminants in wastewater, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and microplastics, and evaluates the analytical techniques used to detect and remove them. Researchers found that many of these pollutants are not yet covered by environmental regulations despite being widely detected in water systems. The study underscores the need for standardized detection methods and updated policies to address these unregulated contaminants.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.