Assessing the phytotoxicity of emerging pollutants on vegetable crops grown with sewage effluent

The use of sewage effluent in agriculture introduces a variety of emerging contaminants-including nanomaterials, surfactants, cosmetic products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), flame retardants (FRs), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), personal care products (PCCPs), antibiotics, pesticides, and micro(nano)plastics (MNPs)-into agroecosystems, posing significant risks to crop safety and human health. This review assesses the phytotoxicity of these pollutants on vegetable crops, emphasizing their detrimental effects on plant physiology, nutritional quality, and long-term soil health. We explore multifaceted mechanisms driving contaminant uptake and bioaccumulation, such as direct cellular translocation, endocytosis, rhizosphere interactions, molecular mimicry of transporters etc. To address these challenges, we have also proposed integrated remediation strategies and cross-cutting techniques, including bioaugmentation with tailored microbial consortia, advanced oxidation processes, phytoremediation CRISPR-engineered microbes for targeted degradation etc. By synthesizing physiological, molecular, and ecological insights, this work provides a roadmap for mitigating contamination risks, enhancing food safety, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in sewage-impacted systems.