Author: Arun Kumar
Abstract: The rapid industrialization and urbanization of the 21st century have led to the introduction of various emerging contaminants (ECs) into aquatic ecosystems. These contaminants, which include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, microplastics, and industrial chemicals, pose significant threats to aquatic life and biodiversity. This paper aims to review the current state of research on the toxicological impacts of these contaminants on aquatic organisms, focusing on their effects on species survival, reproductive health, and ecosystem functioning. We discuss the mechanisms of toxicity, their bioaccumulation potential, and the challenges in assessing the long-term effects of ECs on aquatic environments. The paper also presents a comprehensive evaluation of current methodologies used to study the toxicity of ECs and proposes recommendations for future research directions.
Keywords: Emerging contaminants, toxicology, aquatic ecosystems, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, bioaccumulation, environmental impact
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