From Microplastics to Pharmaceuticals: Environmental Fate and Impacts of Emerging Contaminants

The twenty-first century has witnessed an unprecedented rise in the generation and release of emerging contaminants into the environment. From microplastics that persist in aquatic systems to pharmaceutical residues that infiltrate soil, water, and living organisms, these contaminants have raised significant global concerns. Unlike conventional pollutants, emerging contaminants often escape routine monitoring and regulatory frameworks, yet they pose profound risks to ecological balance, biodiversity, and human health. This edited volume, From Microplastics to Pharmaceuticals: Environmental Fate and Impacts of Emerging Contaminants, brings together multidisciplinary perspectives to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. By integrating insights from chemistry, environmental science, toxicology, biology, engineering, and policy studies, the book explores the sources, pathways, and impacts of emerging contaminants, while highlighting the latest advances in analytical techniques, mitigation strategies, and sustainable solutions. The chapters in this book are contributed by researchers and practitioners from diverse backgrounds, offering a comprehensive understanding of how emerging contaminants behave in different environmental matrices and how their interactions shape long term ecological outcomes. Special emphasis has been placed on the environmental fate of microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, endocrine disruptors, and other novel contaminants that are increasingly detected in natural ecosystems. The aim of this book is not only to synthesize current knowledge but also to inspire innovative thinking for future research and policy development. It is envisioned as a resource for academics,researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and students who are striving to mitigate the growing threat of emerging contaminants and to promote environmental resilience. We extend our sincere gratitude to the contributors whose expertise has shaped this volume, to the reviewers for their valuable feedback, and to the publication team for their support throughout the process. Above all, we acknowledge the collective effort of the scientific community in advancing our understanding of emerging contaminants and their impacts on the environment. We hope that this book serves as both a reference and a catalyst for further research, collaboration, and action toward a cleaner and safer planet.