Advances in identifying and managing emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems: Analytical approaches, toxicity assessment, transformation pathways, environmental fate, and remediation strategies

M Mofijur; M M Hasan; Shams Forruque Ahmed; F Djavanroodi; I M R Fattah; A S Silitonga; M A Kalam; John L Zhou; T M Yunus Khan

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122889

Advances in identifying and managing emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems: Analytical approaches, toxicity assessment, transformation pathways, environmental fate, and remediation strategies

Environ Pollut. 2024 Jan 15:341:122889. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122889. Epub 2023 Nov 15.

Authors

M Mofijur¹, M M Hasan², Shams Forruque Ahmed³, F Djavanroodi⁴, I M R Fattah⁵, A S Silitonga⁵, M A Kalam⁵, John L Zhou⁶, T M Yunus Khan⁷

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia. Electronic address: MdMofijur.Rahman@uts.edu.au.
² Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, QLD, 4701, Australia.
³ Science and Math Program, Asian University for Women, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh.
⁴ Mechanical Engineering Department, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Al Khobar, 31952, Saudi Arabia.
⁵ Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
⁶ Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; Centre for Green Technology, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
⁷ Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.

PMID: 37972679
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122889

Abstract

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are increasingly recognized as threats to human health and ecosystems. This review evaluates advanced analytical methods, particularly mass spectrometry, for detecting ECs and understanding their toxicity, transformation pathways, and environmental distribution. Our findings underscore the reliability of current techniques and the potential of upcoming methods. The adverse effects of ECs on aquatic life necessitate both in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments. Evaluating the distribution and degradation of ECs reveals that they undergo physical, chemical, and biological transformations. Remediation strategies such as advanced oxidation, adsorption, and membrane bioreactors effectively treat EC-contaminated waters, with combinations of these techniques showing the highest efficacy. To minimize the impact of ECs, a proactive approach involving monitoring, regulations, and public education is vital. Future research should prioritize the refining of detection methods and formulation of robust policies for EC management.

Keywords: Biological treatment; Chemical treatment; Emerging contaminants; Emerging treatment technologies; Environmental persistence.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Ecosystem*
Environmental Monitoring / methods
Humans
Reproducibility of Results
Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis
Water Pollutants, Chemical* / toxicity
Water Pollution

Substances

Water Pollutants, Chemical