Group Of Emerging Contaminants Research Articles

Closing Blank Spots and Illuminating Blind Spots in Research on Emerging Contaminants: The Source–Pathway–Receptor–Impact–Mitigation (SPRIM) Continuum as an Organizing Framework

Emerging contaminants (ECs) include: (1) high-technology rare earth elements, (2) nanomaterials, (3) antibiotic/antimicrobial resistance, (4) microplastics, and (5) synthetic organic chemicals, which are currently unregulated. ECs continue to attract considerable research and public attention due to their potential human and ecological health risks. However, an organizing conceptual framework for framing research on ECs is currently missing. Lacking a conceptual framework, only a few aspects are frequently well-studied (i.e., bandwagon/Matthew effect), while other equally important topics receive only cursory attention. In this Editorial perspective, the Source–Pathway–Receptor–Impact–Mitigation (SPRIM) continuum is proposed as an organizing framework to guide research on ECs. First, a description of the SPRIM continuum and its components is presented. Compared to the prevailing and seemingly ad hoc approach predominant in research on emerging contaminants, the potential novelty of applying the proposed SPRIM continuum framework is that it addresses the bandwagon, or Matthew, effect. As a decision-support tool, the SPRIM continuum framework serves a dual function as (1) a checklist to identify key knowledge gaps and frame future research, and (2) a primer for promoting the collaborative research and application of emerging big data analytics in research on emerging contaminants. Collectively, it is envisaged that the SPRIM continuum framework will provide a comprehensive and balanced understanding of various aspects of emerging contaminants relative to the current approach. The challenges of the SPRIM continuum framework as a framing and decision-support tool are also discussed. Future research directions on ECs are discussed in light of the SPRIM continuum concept. This Editorial closes with concluding remarks and a look ahead. The issues discussed are cross-cutting or generic, and thus relate to several groups of ECs, including emerging organic contaminants (EOCs), which are the focus of the current Special Issue. This Special Issue, entitled ‘Emerging Organic Contaminants in Aquatic Systems: A Focus on the Source–Pathway–Receptor–Impact–Mitigation Continuum’, calls for high-quality contributions addressing several aspects of EOCs in aquatic systems. As a Guest Editor, I welcome and look forward to several high-quality contributions addressing at least one component or the entire spectrum of the SPRIM continuum.

Emerging Contaminants In Indonesian Seafood From Industrial Emission And Their Health Hazards

Emerging contaminants (ECs) or contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) has become global awareness of researcher since few decades ago, including Indonesia. Intensive usage of industrial compounds has led to the massive emission to the environment and therefore their potential adverse effect may endanger aquatic organism and human health. Based on the available literatures, organotins and flame retardants as two main groups of ECs from industrial emission identified in Indonesian seafood, as well as worldwide. However, concentration both ECs group detected in Indonesian seafood are relatively low than that in developed countries and the majority of South East Asian countries. Aryl hydrocarbons are reported by only minor literatures in Indonesia and Japan suggested minor interest on the investigation to this compound group. Toxicological studies revealed that ECs emitted from industrial activities has to be concern, ash most of the ECs attributed to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Nevertheless, study on the exposure assessment of ECs in Indonesia is very limited. Regulation issue and laboratory approach are among future focus to be concern in addressing ECs in Indonesia, especially from industrial emission.

Brominated Flame Retardants, Microplastics, and Biocides in the Marine Environment: Recent Updates of Occurrence, Analysis, and Impacts.

Emerging contaminants (ECs) may pose adverse effects on the marine ecosystem and human health. Based on the analysis of publications filed in recent years, this paper provides a comprehensive overview on three prominent groups of ECs, i.e., brominated flame retardants, microplastics, and biocides. It includes detailed discussions on: (1) the occurrence of ECs in seawater, sediment, and biota; (2) analytical detection and monitoring approaches for these target ECs; and (3) the biological impacts of the ECs on humans and other trophic levels. This review provides a summary of recent advances in the field and remaining knowledge gaps to address, to enable the assessment of risk and support the development of regulations and mitigation technologies for the control of ECs in the marine environment.

Seasonal occurrence and distribution of a group of ECs in the water resources of Granada city metropolitan areas (South of Spain): Pollution of raw drinking water

This piece of research deals with the monitoring of a group of emerging contaminants (ECs) in the metropolitan area of Granada, a city representative of the South of Spain, in order to evaluate the environmental management of the wastewater system. With that aim, the spatial and seasonal occurrence and distribution of a group of ECs in groundwater, surface and irrigation water resources from the aquifer “Vega de Granada” (VG) have been investigated for the first time. A set of the most prescribed drugs in Spain (ibuprofen, loratadine, pantoprazole and paracetamol), a pesticide widely used in agriculture (atrazine) and a typical anthropogenic contaminant (caffeine) were included in the study. Water samples were taken from the metropolitan area of the city of Granada inside of the zone of the aquifer, from the downstream of two waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) and from the two main irrigation channels where surface and wastewater are mixed before distribution for irrigation purposes in the crops of the study area. A total of 153 water samples were analyzed through liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) throughout the study that took place over a period of two years, from July 2011 to July 2013. Results demonstrated the occurrence of four of the six target pollutants. Ibuprofen was detected several times, always in both channels with concentration ranges from 5.3 to 20.8 μg/L. The occurrence of paracetamol was detected in rivers and channels up to 34.3 μg/L. Caffeine was detected in all the water resources up to 39.3 μg/L. Pantoprazole was detected twice in the surface water source near to a WWPT ranging from 0.02 to 0.05 μg/L. The pesticide atrazine and the drug loratadine were not detected in any of the water samples analyzed. These results show evidence of poor environmental management of the wastewater concerning the water quality of the aquifer studied. The groundwater sources seem to receive a very continuous input of wastewater due to leaks from the drainage and sewerage system. This input may increase during rainy periods when it joins the recharge flow. The relationship between ECs and surface waters can be observed by comparing the averages for the rainy period with those for the driest. The highest concentration of ECs in irrigation water sources were detected in irrigation period times, between March and July. In general, concentration of the ECs uncovered in this study are similar to those reported in water sources from developed countries and environmental interpretation suggests that waste water management should be improved in order to reverse the current situation.

Contents of volume 29

A wide range of unregulated chemicals of synthetic origin or derived from natural sources, which may be a contender for future regulations are called Emerging Contaminants (ECs). The concentration of ECs ranges from ng/L to μg/L, which is comparatively smaller as compared to other pollutants present in water and wastewater. Even though the environmental concentration is low, ECs still possess a great threat to the humans and ecosystem. These compounds are being widely studied due to their potential health effects, pervasive nature, and difficult degradation through conventional techniques. Pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) or pharmaceutical contaminants (PCs) are one of the major groups of ECs which can cause inimical effect on living organisms even at very lower concentration. These contaminants don't degrade easily and persistent for longer periods in the environment due to their stable structure. With the increase in demand of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs), there has been a sharp increase of these pollutants in water bodies. This is mainly due to the inefficiency of conventional wastewater treatment plants in treatment and removal of these PhACs. The proper identification of pharmaceutical groups and development of removal techniques is crucial in the recent times. This review represents a comprehensive summary on PCs, various groups of PCs and an overview of approaches and treatment systems available for their removal. Efficient and effective treatment methods can be useful for completely eradicating these compounds and making the water bodies safe for use. So, the investment of capital and time on research on PCs and their removal techniques can be beneficial for the future.