A
complex mixture of pollutants in wastewater runs down from different sources
into the aquatic environment, with potential hazards to aquatic organisms, human
health, and the environment. Among these water pollutants, F−, NO3 −, and
heavy metals (Cd, Pb Hg, Zn, Cr, Ni, As, etc.) are considered conventional pollutants, whereas
nanomaterials, pharmaceutical compounds, personal care products, pesticides, endocrine
disrupting compounds (EDCs), artificial sweeteners, surfactants, etc. are known
as emerging water pollutants. This cocktail of water pollutants in the aquatic ecosystem
is a real danger, leading to detrimental effects. This chapter discussed the environmental
risk assessment (ERA) of the emerging water pollutants, especially the nanomaterials.
The ERA of emerging pollutants will help indicate potential risks associated
with these substances, highlighting the importance of their hazard identification,
dose-response and exposure assessment, and risk characterization. This information
will give insights into the recent findings related to the pollutants’ effects and
their assessment approach.
Keywords: Agrochemicals, Emerging water pollutants, Nanomaterials, Personnel care products, Pharmaceuticals, Risk assessment
