The ABCs of emerging contaminants in human health; a quick understanding guide in the 21st century.

Abstract

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are chemical, synthetic, or biological substances that include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, hormones, steroids, pesticides, flame retardants, surfactants, fuel additives, nanomaterials, and industrial compounds. ECs have garnered attention in the scientific community because they have been detected in multiple environments, raising concerns about their potential danger to humans and ecosystems due to evidence of their toxic effects. The removal and elimination of ECs is not as easy as that of traditional contaminants, and this work focuses on this fundamental challenge.