Emerging Contaminants in Groundwater: Challenges, Management, and Policy Perspectives

Résumé fourni par la source

This chapter examines emerging contaminants (ECs) in groundwater, underscoring the regional variability of their prevalence and outlining some of the major challenges in remediation, treatment, and exposure risks in the environment. It addresses the importance of understanding specific contaminants and their risks to groundwater quality in different geographic contexts. A review of major laws and policies in regions such as the United States, European Union, and India is provided, revealing different approaches to managing these contaminants. Discussion includes the sources, transport pathways, and fate of ECs in soils and aquifers. Particular attention is given to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and nanoparticles (NPs) due to their widespread prevalence and associated health risks. The socioeconomic impacts of groundwater contamination, especially on low-income communities, and the technological limitations in current wastewater treatment infrastructure are explored. Regulatory and policy frameworks are examined, highlighting the complexity of managing contaminants due to ambiguous jurisdictional boundaries and the balance between their perceived benefits and harmful effects. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrated management, cutting-edge technologies, and community participation in ensuring sustainable groundwater quality while considering the benefits and risks of using ECs, particularly NPs, in industrial and commercial applications.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.