Fate of Environmental Pollutants

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Water Research

Background:

• Emerging environmental pollutants in wastewater pose risks to ecosystems and human health.
• Understanding the occurrence and fate of these contaminants is crucial for effective water management.
• Previous literature reviews have provided valuable insights into this evolving field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive annual review of the literature published in 2014 concerning emerging environmental pollutants in wastewater.
• To synthesize research on the occurrence and fate of various contaminant classes.
• To identify key findings and trends in the field.

Main Methods:

• Literature search conducted using Web of Science.
• Abstracts selected based on relevance to emerging environmental pollutants in wastewater.
• A fraction of quality research publications, up to 15 per section, were reviewed.
• Full-text articles were consulted for deeper understanding of new findings.

Main Results:

• The review covers biological agents, disinfection by-products (DBPs), halogenated compounds, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and other emerging contaminants.
• Key research findings on the presence and transformation of these pollutants in wastewater are discussed.
• Significant advancements in understanding pollutant behavior were identified across different categories.

Conclusions:

• The 2014 literature demonstrates a growing body of research on emerging environmental pollutants in wastewater.
• Continued monitoring and research are essential to address the challenges posed by these contaminants.
• This review serves as a valuable resource for scientists and policymakers in the field of water quality.