In water, the perchlorate anion CIO4 - is formed as a result of the dissolution of the potassium, solid salts of ammonium and sodium perchlorate as well as the perchloric acid. Ammonium perchlorate, which is used in solid rocket engine fuel, has a short shelf life and should be replenished on a regular basis, thus the pollution is thought to come mainly from the military and supporting industries. Perchlorate pollution of groundwater and soil appears to be a contentious issue and is a popular issue in many fields including industries, government, defence and the general public. The pollution is difficult to remove or remediate due to the perchlorate anion's basic chemical and physical characteristics. The health consequences of drinking low-dose perchlorate-contaminated water are unknown, although it interacts with the body's iodine intake, leading human thyroid development to be inhibited. Various major assessment studies of its risk in terms of environmental and health impact can be found in literature. However, information about its sources, contamination, removal or detection of the perchlorate is sparse. This review provides knowledge on perchlorate amounts in the atmosphere and how perchlorate remediation is performed.