Environmental Toxicology, Fate and Risk Assessment of Emerging Contaminants

Emerging Contaminants (ECs) refer to either synthetic or naturally occurring chemicals that have been recently identified and whose environmental and public health risks have not been fully established. The aforementioned substances are classified as contaminants and comprise of antibiotics, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, effluents, nanomaterials etc. While some ECs can be traced to known sources such as wastewater treatment plant discharges, many others have been detected in natural environments around the world, making them a global concern. Nonetheless, the current body of knowledge regarding the destiny, conveyance, and toxicological implications of ECs is restricted. Limited resources and an absence of analytical tools prevent us from knowing their individual and combined impacts on ecosystems and human health. The mechanisms underlying the interactions between ECs and other contaminants remain poorly comprehended. This chapter provides a comprehensive summary of the present knowledge regarding the behavior and transfer mechanisms of ECs, as well as a risk-based approach for the management of ECs, along with supplementary tactics. Overall, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of environmental toxicology, focusing specifically on the fate and risk assessment of emerging contaminants. It offers valuable insights into the behavior, distribution, and potential risks associated with these contaminants, enabling researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to develop effective strategies for monitoring, managing, and mitigating their environmental impact.