Emerging Contaminants in Agro-Industrial Effluent

Agro-industrial effluent (AIE) presents both a valuable resource and a formidable challenge for sustainable water management. The reuse of treated AIE can mitigate water scarcity and promote circular resource utilization. However, contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and micro- and nanoplastics pose significant barriers to safe reuse. These pollutants persist through conventional wastewater treatment processes due to their diverse chemical properties, stability, and microscopic size. This chapter reviews the sources, characteristics, and prevalence of key CECs in AIE and their associated risks to human health and ecosystems. It explores the limitations of conventional treatment systems and highlights advanced and hybrid technologies that enhance contaminant removal, including membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Furthermore, the discussion addresses the regulatory gaps that hinder effective management and advocates for comprehensive guidelines and policies to mitigate risks. Finally, strategies and future directions for integrating technological innovation, regulatory frameworks, and multidisciplinary collaboration are proposed to achieve safe and sustainable reuse of agro-industrial effluent while safeguarding environmental and public health.