What are "emerging contaminants"?

Emerging contaminants refer to pollutants that have recently been identified and are not yet widely regulated or commonly tested for in environmental monitoring. This category includes substances such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other chemicals that may enter waterways through various pathways, including wastewater discharges and runoff. These contaminants pose potential risks to human health and ecosystems, prompting research into their impacts and the development of regulatory frameworks to manage them.

The significance of identifying and understanding emerging contaminants lies in the fact that conventional water treatment processes may not effectively remove them, leading to their persistence in the environment. This raises concerns about their effects on aquatic life and human health. Therefore, tracking these emerging contaminants is essential for developing updated testing and treatment processes to ensure water quality and safety.