Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation

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Rapid Communication - Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation (2023) Volume 7, Issue 5

Emerging Pollutants: Unseen Threats.

Erland Greiner *

Department of Pollution, Pondicherry University, India

*Corresponding Author:
Erland Greiner
Department of Pollution, Pondicherry University, India
E-mail: cardosda@imperial.ac.uk

Received: 01- Sep-2023, Manuscript No. AAERAR-23- 112010; Editor assigned: 02- Sep -2023, PreQC No. AAERAR-23-112010; Reviewed:15- Sep -2023, QC No. AAERAR-23- 112010; Revised:22- Sep -2023, Manuscript No. AAERAR-23- 112010 (R); Published:29- Sep -2023, DOI:10.35841/ aatcc -7.5.190

Citation: Greiner E. Emerging Pollutants: Unseen Threats. J Environ Risk Assess Remediat. 2023;7(5):190

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Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of environmental challenges, emerging pollutants have taken center stage as potent and often unseen threats to ecosystems and human health. These pollutants, often novel or understudied, raise alarms due to their potential to disrupt delicate environmental balances and pose risks that might not yet be fully understood. This article explores the concept of emerging pollutants, their sources, impacts, and the urgency of addressing these unseen threats [1].

Understanding Emerging Pollutants

Emerging pollutants, sometimes referred to as "contaminants of emerging concern," are substances that have gained attention due to their recent identification, increased detection, or their realization as potential threats. These pollutants span a wide range of compounds, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, flame retardants, and synthetic chemicals used in various industries. Unlike traditional pollutants, emerging pollutants are often not regulated or well-studied, leaving a gap in our understanding of their potential effects [2].

Sources of Emerging Pollutants

Emerging pollutants can originate from a variety of sources, reflecting the complex interplay between human activities and the environment: Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs): Substances from medications, skincare products, and cosmetics find their way into water bodies through wastewater treatment plants or direct disposal. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): These compounds interfere with the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances in humans and wildlife. EDCs are found in pesticides, plastics, and industrial chemicals. Microplastics: These tiny plastic particles result from the breakdown of larger plastic items and the shedding of microfibers from textiles [3].

Impacts on Ecosystems and Health

The consequences of emerging pollutants can be far-reaching and multifaceted: Environmental Disruption: Emerging pollutants can accumulate in the environment, affecting aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. Altered behavior, compromised reproduction, and disrupted food chains are among the observed impacts. Human Exposure: Through contaminated water, food, and air, emerging pollutants can enter human bodies. Their potential health effects range from hormonal disruption and reproductive issues to chronic diseases like cancer. Antibiotic Resistance: The release of pharmaceuticals into the environment can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat [4].

The Challenge of Detection

Detecting emerging pollutants poses unique challenges. Their low concentrations and diverse nature require advanced analytical techniques that can pinpoint their presence even in trace amounts. This makes monitoring and regulating these pollutants a complex endeavour [5].

Conclusion

A proactive approach is crucial to address emerging pollutants effectively. This entails a symbiotic relationship between regulatory bodies, industries, scientific communities, and the general public. Governments must establish comprehensive regulations that adapt to changing knowledge and technology. Industries should prioritize the development of sustainable materials and practices to prevent the introduction of new pollutants into the environment. Researchers should continue to explore the effects of emerging pollutants on both ecosystems and human health, guiding our strategies for mitigation

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