Systematic Review of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs): Distribution, Risks, and Implications for Water Quality and Health

Abstract

The introduction of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) into the environment has raised concerns due to the significant risks they pose to both ecosystems and human health. In this sys-tematic review, we investigate research trends on CECs worldwide over the past 10 years, focus-ing on four critical aspects: (i) the identification and distribution of typical CECs across various media, (ii) the sources and environmental behavior of CECs, (iii) the implications of CECs expo-sure on human health, and (iv) risk assessment and control measures for CECs. The review re-veals a comprehensive understanding of the typical types and distribution of CECs in different environmental media, shedding light on their prevalence and potential impact on ecosystems. Furthermore, insights into the sources and behavior of CECs provide crucial information for de-vising effective strategies to mitigate their release into the environment. By examining the health effects of EC exposure, we highlight the importance of considering potential risks to human well-being. This aspect of the review emphasizes the significance of monitoring and managing CECs to safeguard public health. The review also synthesizes the advancements in risk assessment methodologies and control measures for CECs, which are essential for developing comprehensive regulations and guidelines to manage these contaminants effectively. Drawing from the findings, we identify future research directions for CECs in aquatic environments.

Assessing the Impact of Pharmaceutical Contamination in Malaysian Groundwater: Risks, Modelling, and Remediation Strategies

“…In a Canadian whole-lake experiment, the population of Pimephales promelas collapsed at concentrations of 5 -6 μg/l of 17α-ethinylestradiol due to the feminization of male fish [48]. The exposure to synthetic estrogen in water sources has led to a decrease in egg fertilization and an imbalance in the sex ratio [48,49].…”

“…It is carcinogenic to humans if humans are in contact with them through eating, drinking, or breathing [52]. The toxicity of pharmaceuticals to humans is still not yet much to be investigated despite strong evidence of possible negative impacts [49]. The concentration level of pharmaceuticals reported in groundwater and drinking water is relatively low and it is usually in the ng/l range which is shown in Tables 1 and 2.…”

Supramolecular Gels Based on C3-Symmetric Amides: Application in Anion-Sensing and Removal of Dyes from Water

“…The quantity of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) [1,2], which are chemicals and toxic materials in wastewater, has dramatically increased since the pre-industrial era. The synthetic dyes found in wastewater are mostly generated from industries such as textiles, cosmetics, paper, pharmaceuticals, and paint, and these can be considered as CECs due to their toxicity to ecological or human health [3].…”

Evaluation of the Pathway of Contaminants in the Environment: A Case Study of Different Aquatic Environmental Compartments

“…Additionally, a recent report from the United Nations Environment Program and the International Council of Chemical Associations indicated that more than 350,000 chemicals and mixtures are commercially used worldwide [4]. These substances possess characteristics that could potentially pose risks to both biota and humans [5].…”