Summary of - Emerging groundwater contaminants: A comprehensive review on their health hazards and remediation technologies

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Water systems that sustain ecosystems and support the growing human population are increasingly stressed and declining. Groundwater, a vital source of fresh water, is influenced by aquifer characteristics, topography, subsurface activities, climate, and various geochemical processes. Emerging contaminants (ECs), originating from sources such as antibiotics, fire retardants, pesticides, sunscreens, disinfection byproducts, organic carbon, pathogens, metals, surfactants, and pharmaceuticals, pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems. Groundwater contamination is exacerbated by leaching from livestock farming, industrial wastewater, and agricultural practices involving fertilizers, pesticides, and slurries. Areas near landfills are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal contamination. Understanding the concentration, behavior, cycling, and degradation pathways of these contaminants is crucial for effective remediation. Measures to reduce groundwater contamination include optimizing fertilizer application, safe disposal of pesticide waste and containers, and implementing efficient irrigation systems to limit pesticide and fertilizer runoff into aquatic ecosystems. This paper aims to describe the occurrence, fate, and potential remediation strategies for emerging groundwater contaminants (EGCs).

Publication Date

2023

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