The Pharma Innovation Journal 2023; 12(6): 2009-2012

ISSN (E): 2277-7695

ISSN (P): 2349-8242
NAAS Rating: 5.23 Micro pollutant on the environment: Causes, impacts,
TPI 2023; 12(6): 2009-2012
© 2023 TPI and solutions
www.thepharmajournal.com
Received: 16-04-2023
Accepted: 20-05-2023 C Prabakaran
C Prabakaran
Department of Natural Resource Abstract
Management, Horticultural Micro pollutants are substances that are found in low concentrations in water bodies, soil, and air, but
College and Research Institute which can have adverse effects on human health and the environment. The increasing use of synthetic
for Women, Tiruchchirappalli, chemicals in various industries has led to a rise in the number of micro pollutants present in the
Tamil Nadu Agricultural environment. This article discusses the causes, impacts, and solutions to micro pollutants on the
University, Coimbatore, environment. The sources of micro pollutants are identified, including pharmaceuticals, personal care
Tamil Nadu, India products, pesticides and herbicides, flame retardants, microplastics, perfluorinated compounds, endocrine
disruptors, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals. The impacts of micro pollutants on human health and
the environment are described, such as water pollution, soil degradation, air pollution, and their effects
on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Finally, solutions to mitigate the effects of micro pollutants are
discussed, including improving waste management systems, implementing better regulations, developing
sustainable alternatives, and raising awareness about the issue.

Keywords: Micro pollutants, environment, causes, impacts, solutions

Introduction
Micropollutants are small-sized chemical substances present in the environment and pose a
significant threat to human health and the ecosystem. They are often referred to as emerging
pollutants because their impact has only recently been understood. Micropollutants are
typically present in low concentrations but can have serious long-term effects on living
organisms (Prabakaran, 2023) [1].
Micropollutants, also known as emerging contaminants, are substances that are found in low
concentrations in water bodies, soil, and air, but which can have adverse effects on human
health and the environment. Some examples of micropollutants include:

1. Pharmaceuticals: Drugs such as birth control pills, painkillers, and antibiotics, which can
enter water systems through urine and wastewater (Rogowska et al., 2020) [3]
 Pharmaceuticals, also known as drugs, are an important part of modern medicine. They
are used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions, from headaches and colds to
chronic illnesses like diabetes and cancer. While they have undoubtedly improved human
health, pharmaceuticals also have a downside. They are one of the most common types of
micropollutants, and their presence in water bodies has raised concerns about their
potential impact on the environment and human health (Prabakaran 2022) [2]
 Pharmaceuticals enter water systems through a variety of pathways. One of the most
common is human excretion (Issac and Kandasubramanian, 2021) [4]. When we take
drugs, our bodies metabolize and eliminate them through urine and feces. Wastewater
treatment plants are designed to remove many pollutants, but they are not always effective
at removing pharmaceuticals. As a result, trace amounts of these drugs can end up in
rivers, lakes, and other water bodies.
 Another pathway for pharmaceuticals to enter the environment is through improper
disposal. When we throw unused or expired drugs in the trash or flush them down the
Corresponding Author:
toilet, they can also end up in water systems. In addition, drugs that are given to animals
C Prabakaran can also enter water systems through their manure.
Department of Natural Resource  The presence of pharmaceuticals in water systems is a cause for concern. While the
Management, Horticultural concentrations of these drugs are generally very low, some studies have suggested that
College and Research Institute they can have an impact on aquatic organisms, including fish, amphibians, and
for Women, Tiruchchirappalli,
invertebrates. In addition, there is some evidence that exposure to pharmaceuticals may
Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University, Coimbatore, have an impact on human health, particularly in populations that are exposed to high
Tamil Nadu, India levels of these drugs, such as wastewater treatment workers.
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 To address the issue of pharmaceuticals in water systems, 3. Pesticides and herbicides: Chemicals used in agriculture
there are several strategies that can be employed. One is and gardening to control pests and weeds, which can enter
to improve wastewater treatment processes to better water systems through runoff (Lata et al., 2021) [6].
remove these drugs. Another is to encourage the proper Pesticides and herbicides are chemicals that are used
disposal of unused or expired drugs, either through drug extensively in agriculture and gardening to protect crops and
take-back programs or through guidelines for safe plants from pests, insects, and weeds. However, they are also
disposal. Finally, reducing the amount of drugs that are considered to be micro pollutants, as they can have adverse
prescribed and used in the first place can help to limit the effects on the environment and human health.
amount of pharmaceuticals that enter water systems. Pesticides and herbicides are designed to be toxic to the
 In conclusion, while pharmaceuticals are an important organisms they are intended to kill or control. However, these
part of modern medicine, their presence in water systems chemicals can also harm non-target organisms, including
is a cause for concern. It is important to take steps to beneficial insects, birds, and mammals, as well as humans
minimize their impact on the environment and human who are exposed to them.
health, through improved treatment processes, proper One of the main ways that pesticides and herbicides enter the
disposal, and reducing their use where possible. By environment is through runoff from agricultural and
taking these steps, we can help to ensure that the benefits gardening areas. When it rains, these chemicals can be
of pharmaceuticals are not outweighed by their potential washed off the fields and gardens and enter nearby streams,
negative impact on the environment and public health. rivers, and lakes. This runoff can also contaminate
groundwater, which can then affect drinking water supplies.
2. Personal care products: Cosmetics, lotions, and perfumes, Once in the environment, pesticides and herbicides can persist
which can enter water systems through showering, washing, for long periods of time and can accumulate in the food chain.
and other personal care activities. This means that even small amounts of these chemicals can
Personal care products such as cosmetics, lotions, and have harmful effects on organisms, including humans, that
perfumes are a common part of our daily routine. However, consume them.
many of these products contain chemicals that can have
harmful effects on the environment and human health. When Some of the adverse effects of pesticides and herbicides
these products are washed off and disposed of, they can enter include
the water system and become micro pollutants.  Damage to non-target organisms such as bees, butterflies,
Micro pollutants are substances that are found in low and birds, which can affect the ecosystem as a whole.
concentrations in water bodies, soil, and air, but which can  Health problems for humans, including respiratory
have adverse effects on human health and the environment. problems, skin irritation, and cancer.
Personal care products contain a variety of chemicals such as  Contamination of soil and water, which can have long-
phthalates, parabens, and triclosan, which can cause hormonal term effects on the environment.
disruption, reproductive problems, and other health issues.
When we use personal care products, the chemicals can be To reduce the negative effects of pesticides and herbicides, it
absorbed by our bodies and then excreted in urine or feces. is important to use them judiciously and to explore alternative
These chemicals then enter the sewage system and can end up methods of pest and weed control. These methods include
in our waterways and oceans. Once in the water, these crop rotation, integrated pest management, and the use of
chemicals can persist for a long time, causing harm to aquatic natural predators.
life and even making their way into our food chain. In conclusion, pesticides and herbicides are important tools
Studies have shown that personal care products are a major for agriculture and gardening, but they can also have harmful
source of micro pollutants in our waterways. In fact, a study effects on the environment and human health. It is important
conducted by the US Geological Survey found that at least to use these chemicals responsibly and to explore alternative
one of these chemicals was detected in more than half of the methods of pest and weed control to reduce their impact on
water samples collected from streams across the United the environment.
States.
To address the issue of personal care products as micro
4. Flame retardants: Chemicals added to furniture and
pollutants, there are steps that individuals and companies can
electronics to prevent fires, which can enter the environment
take. Firstly, individuals can reduce their use of personal care
through dust and air (Jamie et al., 2023) [5].
products, choose products that are labeled as environmentally
Flame retardants are chemicals that are commonly added to
friendly and dispose of products properly.
furniture, electronics, and other products to make them more
On the other hand, companies can reformulate their products
resistant to fire. While flame retardants may seem like a
to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals and implement
beneficial addition to these products, they can have harmful
better labeling practices to inform consumers of the potential
effects on the environment and human health. In fact, flame
environmental impact of the products they purchase.
retardants are considered to be a type of micro pollutant,
In conclusion, personal care products play a significant role in
which are substances that can have adverse effects even at
the presence of micro pollutants in our waterways. By taking
very low concentrations.
simple steps such as reducing usage and disposing of products
One way that flame retardants enter the environment is
properly, individuals can help reduce the impact of these
through dust. When products containing flame retardants are
products on the environment. Companies also have a
responsibility to reformulate their products and implement used and handled, the chemicals can be released into the air
better labeling practices to ensure that consumers are aware of and settle as dust in homes and other indoor spaces. This dust
the potential environmental impact of the products they can then be ingested or inhaled by humans and animals,
purchase. leading to potential health problems.
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In addition, flame retardants can enter the environment humans.

through the disposal of products containing these chemicals. The impact of microplastics on human health is still not fully
When flame retardant-containing products are thrown away or understood, but studies have shown that microplastics can
recycled, the chemicals can leach into soil and water systems, carry and release toxic chemicals, including endocrine
leading to contamination of the environment. disruptors and carcinogens, which may have negative effects
One of the main concerns with flame retardants as micro on human health. In addition, the presence of microplastics in
pollutants is their potential impact on human health. Studies the environment can also have economic implications, as
have linked exposure to flame retardants with a range of microplastics can cause damage to marine ecosystems,
health problems, including developmental delays in children, tourism, and fishing industries.
thyroid problems, and cancer. These health effects are Efforts are being made to reduce the amount of plastic waste
believed to be a result of the ability of flame retardants to generated and to prevent the release of microplastics into the
disrupt hormone systems and interfere with normal bodily environment. This includes measures such as the reduction of
processes. single-use plastics, improved waste management practices,
Furthermore, flame retardants can have negative effects on and the development of new technologies for recycling and
wildlife and ecosystems. Studies have shown that flame waste-to-energy conversion.
retardants can accumulate in the tissues of animals, leading to In conclusion, microplastics are a growing concern as a micro
potential health problems such as reproductive issues and pollutant due to their widespread presence in the environment
behavioral changes. In addition, flame retardants can persist and potential negative effects on both human health and the
in the environment for long periods of time, making them environment. While efforts are being made to address the
difficult to remove once they have been released. issue, further research and action are needed to better
As the potential risks associated with flame retardants as understand the impact of microplastics and to develop
micro pollutants become more apparent, efforts are being effective solutions for reducing their presence in the
made to reduce their use in products and find safer environment.
alternatives. Some companies are opting to use materials that
are naturally flame-resistant, while others are developing new 6. Perfluorinated compounds: Chemicals used in the
technologies that do not require the use of flame retardants. In production of non-stick coatings, water-repellent fabrics, and
addition, regulations are being put in place to limit the use of firefighting foams, which can enter water systems through
certain types of flame retardants and encourage the use of manufacturing and use (Sudarshan et al., 2022) [7].
safer alternatives. Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are a class of synthetic
In conclusion, flame retardants are a type of micro pollutant chemicals that have become widely used in a variety of
that can have harmful effects on human health and the industrial and consumer products. They are persistent in the
environment. As awareness of the risks associated with these environment, meaning they do not break down easily, and
chemicals grows, it is important to take steps to reduce their have been identified as a significant micro pollutant in water
use and find safer alternatives. By doing so, we can help systems worldwide. In this article, we will explore the nature
protect ourselves and the environment from the negative of PFCs, their sources and the potential impact they have on
impacts of flame retardants as micro pollutants. the environment and human health.
PFCs are a group of chemicals that are used in the production
5. Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles that are a result of the of non-stick coatings, water-repellent fabrics, and firefighting
breakdown of larger plastic items and can be found in water, foams. They are also used in a range of other industrial
soil, and air. applications, including electronics manufacturing, and as
Microplastics are a type of micro pollutant that has gained surfactants in household cleaning products. PFCs are highly
significant attention in recent years due to their widespread stable and do not degrade naturally in the environment, which
presence in the environment and potential harmful effects on means they can persist for decades, and even centuries, in
both human health and the environment. Microplastics are soil, water, and air.
defined as small plastic particles, typically measuring less The primary source of PFCs in the environment is through
than 5 mm in size, that are generated by the degradation of manufacturing and use, with most releases occurring during
larger plastic items such as packaging, bottles, and synthetic the production of consumer goods such as Teflon pans and
textiles. waterproof clothing. PFCs can also enter the environment
The increasing production and consumption of plastic through the use of firefighting foams, which are widely used
products have led to a significant increase in the amount of to extinguish fires, especially in airports and other industrial
plastic waste generated worldwide. This plastic waste can sites.
enter the environment through various pathways, including Once released into the environment, PFCs can contaminate
littering, landfill leakage, and ocean dumping. Once in the water systems, including groundwater and surface water,
environment, plastics can break down into smaller and which can then enter the food chain. Studies have shown that
smaller particles over time due to the effects of weathering, PFCs can accumulate in the tissues of animals and humans,
sunlight, and biological processes. including fish, birds, and mammals. This means that the
Microplastics can be found in a variety of environmental higher an organism is in the food chain, the greater the
matrices, including water, soil, and air. Studies have shown concentration of PFCs they are likely to have in their tissues.
that microplastics can be ingested by a wide range of PFCs have been linked to a range of negative health effects in
organisms, including fish, birds, and other marine animals, humans, including liver damage, immune system suppression,
which can lead to physical harm, as well as affecting their and developmental problems in infants and children. Studies
behavior and reproductive success. Additionally, have also shown that exposure to PFCs can lead to an
microplastics have been found in drinking water and food increased risk of certain cancers, such as kidney and testicular
products, raising concerns about potential health effects on cancer. The precise mechanisms through which PFCs cause
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harm to human health are not yet fully understood, but it is Governments and industry can take steps to reduce the
thought that their persistent nature, combined with their amount of micro pollutants that are released into the
ability to accumulate in human tissues, is a major contributing environment. This can include improving industrial processes
factor. to reduce chemical use and implementing stricter regulations
In conclusion, perfluorinated compounds are a significant on the use and disposal of chemicals. It can also involve
micro pollutant that can have harmful effects on the upgrading wastewater treatment plants to remove micro
environment and human health. Their widespread use in a pollutants from the effluent before it is discharged into the
variety of industrial and consumer products, combined with environment.
their persistence in the environment, means that they will Individuals can also play a role in reducing micro pollutants
continue to be a challenge for environmental regulators and by making conscious decisions about the products they use
public health officials. Efforts are underway to reduce the use and disposing of chemicals in a responsible manner. This can
of PFCs and to develop more sustainable alternatives, but it include using environmentally friendly cleaning products,
will take time to fully address this issue. In the meantime, it is properly disposing of prescription drugs, and using alternative
important to be aware of the potential risks associated with forms of transportation to reduce emissions.
PFC exposure and to take steps to minimize our exposure to
these chemicals whenever possible. Conclusion
These are just a few examples of micro pollutants, there are Micropollutants are a serious environmental and public health
many others such as endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, and concern. They are present in the environment in low
industrial chemicals that can have harmful effects on the concentrations but can have long-term impacts on living
environment and human health. organisms. Reducing micro pollutants requires a concerted
effort from governments, industry, and individuals to reduce
Sources of Micro Pollutants the use of harmful chemicals, improve wastewater treatment
Micro pollutants can come from a variety of sources, processes, and increase public awareness of the issue. By
including industrial processes, agricultural activities, and taking steps to reduce micropollutants, we can protect both
household products. They can also come from the environment and human health for generations to come.
pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other chemicals
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