Emerging Contaminant AMR

What are Emerging Contaminants? Emerging pollutants are chemicals and compounds that have recently been identified as dangerous to the environment, and consequently to the health of human beings. Precisely, they have been labeled “emerging” because of the rising level of concern linked to them. In addition, many of these emerging pollutants have not been regulated under national or international legislation, hence posing a greater risk to our livelihood. Emerging pollutants also known as contaminants of emerging concern, are the substances that are released in the environment for which no regulations are currently established. They are mainly organic compounds present as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, hormones, food additives, pesticides, plasticizers, wood preservatives, laundry detergents, disinfectants, surfactants, flame retardants, and other organic compounds in water generated mainly by human activities. A significant number of emerging pollutants resulting from point and diffuse pollution is present in the aquatic environment. These are chemicals that are not commonly monitored but have the potential to enter the environment and cause adverse ecological and human health effects.