Global Occurrence and Impact of Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water: A Comparative Analysis of Environmental and Health Effects
Taiwo Bakare-Abidola1*, Jelil Olaoye2, Mmesoma Vanessa Anakor3, Nwachukwu Onwuchekwa4, Chioma Onwuchekwa5, Kofi Yeboah Adjei6,, Esther Chigbaziru Nwojiji7
Abstract
Emerging contaminants (ECs) in drinking water, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistence and bioaccumulation potential. This study analyzed water samples from 50 locations across urban, rural, and industrial areas in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). EC concentrations ranged from 5 ng/L to 2.3 µg/L, with pharmaceuticals such as ibuprofen and carbamazepine detected in 80% of urban samples, while pesticide residues (e.g., atrazine) were found in 65% of agricultural sources. Microplastics were present in 92% of tested samples, averaging 1,500 particles per liter. Health risk assessments revealed hazard quotient (HQ) values exceeding 1.0 for PFAS in 35% of samples, indicating potential human health risks. Treatment efficiency varied significantly, with reverse osmosis removing over 99% of PFAS, while conventional methods, such as coagulation and sedimentation, removed less than 30% of pharmaceuticals. Advanced oxidation processes reduced microplastic concentrations by 85%, yet residual contamination persisted. The study highlights substantial regional differences in EC contamination and removal efficiency, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter regulations, improved monitoring, and advanced treatment technologies to mitigate the risks associated with EC exposure in drinking water worldwide.
Keywords: Emerging contaminants, drinking water quality, microplastics, PFAS, pharmaceuticals, endocrine disruptors, antimicrobial resistance, toxicology, water treatment, environmental health