Breakthroughs in new pollutant research: Analytical methods, environmental processes, toxicological mechanisms, and...

The root cause of new pollutants problems lies in the massive production and use of chemicals, leading to environmental pollution and potential health and ecological risks. New pollutants pose a long-term major threat to both environmental health and human well-being. Chinese environmental scientists and researchers in related fields have been dedicating to studying new pollutants and their associated substances since 1999, conducting multidimensional pioneering research. This review synthesizes cutting-edge advancements in scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and policy developments, with a particular focus on the transformative progress and impacts of research into new pollutants conducted by the State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology (SKLECE) at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES) over the past two decades. By integrating precise analysis, mechanistic insights, and scalable solutions, this work redefines the field of environmental toxicology and offers a paradigm shift in global pollutant management. It promotes health risk mitigation and sustainable environmental safety, contributing significantly to the advancement of environmental science and global governance strategies.