An Overview of Emerging Contaminants in Water Sources: A Global Outlook

Advance in methods of detection for some organic chemicals in water sources has steered the screening and quantification of high quantity of contaminants collectively with their end products, which formerly were not identified in water sources and are currently recognized as emerging contaminants. The accumulation and discovery of levels of these emerging contaminants in water sources has reduced water quality and made it risky for aquatic and human life. Exposure to these organic contaminants may trigger serious health effects. The aim of this book is to give a comprehensive review of global occurrence of emerging contaminants in various water sources such as surface water, groundwater, treated drinking water and wastewater influent and effluent. The book introduces audience to concepts of water sources, emerging contaminants, point sources and non-point sources of emerging contaminants. It offers a glimpse of international and South African case studies on the occurrence of emerging contaminants precisely herbicides, pharmaceutical, steroid hormones and personal care products in water sources as well as in wastewater treatment works. The analytical and removal methods of emerging contaminants in water sources are also covered. Moreover, information on possible environmental health impacts ensuing from exposure to emerging contaminants and their possible mitigation measures (such as classification and labelling methods; point source separation methods; regulating the release of emerging contaminants) are discussed. The occurrence of emerging contaminants around the world (Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania) is likely to upsurge in water sources and wastewater treatment works as a results of rise in population which is a public health concern. Therefore, more studies that report on the widespread of emerging contaminants in water sources, and their associated environmental health risks are needed to help regulators in establishing priority measures for management of water resources.