Pollution, 6(1): 99-113, Winter 2020

DOI: 10.22059/poll.2019.285116.646
Print ISSN: 2383-451X Online ISSN: 2383-4501
Web Page: https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir, Email: [email protected]

Emerging Pollutants in Aquatic Environment: Source, Effect, and

Challenges in Biomonitoring and Bioremediation- A Review
Patel, N.1*, Khan, MD. Z. A.2, Shahane, S1., Rai, D.3, Chauhan, D.3, Kant, C.4 and
Chaudhary, V. K5.

1. Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Agartala,

Agartala- P.O Box 799046, Tripura, India
2. Department of Civil Engineering, Government Polytechnic College, Gonda,
Gonda- P.O Box 271001,Uttar Pradesh, India
3. Department of Civil Engineering, Bundelkhand Institute of Engineering and
Technology, Jhansi, Jhansi- P.O Box 284128, Uttar Pradesh, India
4. Department of Civil Engineering, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara,
Punjab- P.O Box 144411, Punjab, India
5. Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh
University, Ayodhya- P.O Box 224001, Uttar Pradesh, India

Received: 10.07.2019 Accepted: 14.10.2019

ABSTRACT: Emerging contaminants are distributed in to the environment from various

anthropogenic activities. These Emerging contaminants (ECs) are mainly composed of
products, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PCPs), surfactants,
plasticizers, pesticides etc. The present conventional system of waste treatment are not
designed to treat these contaminants. Complex structure of these pollutants and their
existence at low concentration makes them untraceable and hence found to be difficult in
removal of these by present waste treatment. These chemicals are considered as threat to
human health and environment. Therefore, disposal and treatment of these chemicals of
emerging concern have been a key concern in the field of water treatment and its reuse.
Biosensors can be used for biomonitoring of these contaminants with of biological
system. Bioremediation plays an important role in the treatment of these pollutants of
emerging concern. This review discusses about the sources, effects, and challenges in
biomonitoring and bioremediation related to these emerging contaminants.
Keywords: Emerging contaminants, Endocrine disruptors, Wastewater treatment,
Pharmaceutical compounds.

INTRODUCTION form of living being. In the starting years of

Water is one of the most essential things for 1800's, along with the advancement of
the existence of life. As it is already known science and technology, a new kind of
that population of world is increasing at rapid pollutant was discovered in the aquatic
rate, so there is also an increasing demand environment and in other water resources
for clean, safe water. So the quality of the which was later termed as Emerging
water is vital in the protection of health of all contaminants (ECs) [Du et al., 2015]. Some
of the worst problems which could arise due
*
Corresponding Author, Email: [email protected]

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to these ECs include hormonal interference going to be increased. As antibiotics are

in aquatic animals, genotoxicity, endocrine capable of formation of resistant bacteria at
disruption, and immune toxicity [Mortensen very low concentrations, it stands as the
et al., 2014; Bilal & Iqbal, 2019]. biggest trouble among all [Nazaret &
With the discovery of so-called Aminov, 2014]. These bacteria can make
―emerging‖ pollutants, it begin to be seen as genes to shield them against antibiotics
dangerous problems for the environment and [Rizzo et al., 2013; Camargo et al., 2014].
thus a widespread consensus of this kind of Lack of proper biomonitoring system is
contamination was felt [La Farree et al., the main problem associated with these
2008; Rasheed et al., 2018]. These are emerging pollutants. Currently, various
Emerging contaminants are ‗any synthetic or research are being performed in order to
naturally occurring chemical or any develop biosensors that can easily detect
microorganism that can‘t be monitored easily these pollutants and can help in further
in the environment, but has the potential to process of treatment related to these.
enter the environment and cause known or Biosensor, includes a biological component
suspected adverse ecological and/or human that provides the signal by the help of which
health effects [Rosenfeld & Fleng, 2011]. pollutants get analyzed and hence get
These Emerging contaminants (ECs) is detected. After detection, bioremediation can
mainly composed of products, such as play an important role regarding the
pharmaceuticals, personal care products transformation of these toxic contaminants as
(PCPs), surfactants, plasticizers, pesticides compared to conventional treatment
etc. Removal of these from its product source methods.If the ECs are not being considered
in short time is seen to be very difficult task as a biggest challenge now, then the
[Wilkinson et al., 2017]. However, in this environment can face its adverse effects
regards legislative intervention by the without any proper and effective treatment.
government may proof as a blessing in World Bank has already predicted that by
disguise. USA, China, Canada, Germany, 2050, these resistant bacteria can kill 10
and Japan, are the leading countries in which million people each year and can push as
the research on ECs have been done on large much as 28 million of people into poverty
scale [Bao et al., 2015]. One of the main [Bloom et al., 2017]. It is worth mentioning
resources of emerging contaminants which is that antibiotics is not the only ECs upon
released into water sources and which later which we have to concern, there are many
ends up in deterioration of soil, groundwater, other in the list, but how to do it remains a
seas, and oceans [Suárez et al., 2008]. dilemma. One way can be by preparing a
Despite of being at very low concentrations, priority list like EU commission has done by
ECs (due to complex matrices) have diverse keeping the track record of compounds and
chemical properties. Till now, there is lack of updating it each year [Decision, 2015]. This
efficient and advanced methods for way can proof to be reasonable until we
determination of ECs, which is mainly due to come across a limited number of
the reason of its complex matrices and its compounds.
presence at very low concentration and this is
very reason why ECs still stand as a riddles Categories of Chemicals of Emerging
[Alexander et al., 2012; Schmidt, 2018]. Concern
Since concentrations of these pollutants are In order to satisfy the human need, various
very low, even though there is need to care categories of chemicals are being used for
of these ECs and their adverse effects the production of cosmetics, personal care
because as the world population is products, cleansing products, and
increasing, release of these EC's are also pharmaceuticals. Beside these products,
various chemicals are used to manufacture
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pesticides, insect repellents, synthetic the potential to cause adverse effect on

hormones, artificial sweeteners [Kolpin et environmental and human health. The effect
al., 2002]. Most of the above mentioned of emerging contaminants on human health
chemical compounds have been investigated has been shown in Table 1. Only European
to have endocrine disrupting property and countries have taken significant step that has
moreover, till now, no such regulation has been mentioned in the European Water
been made for proper utilisation of these. Framework Directive (EC Directive
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), 2000/06/EC) and daughter directive
PCPs, and pharmaceutical products have 2008/105/EC (EC 2008) in order to reduce
been classified as emerging pollutants. the level of emerging micro-pollutants
Because even at very low concentration present in the water [Directive, 2000;
range (ng/L to μg/L), these pollutants have Parliament, 2008].

Table 1. Health effects of Emerging Contaminants

Emerging Contaminants Health Effects
Proven to have estrogenic effects in rats [Dodds &
Lawson, 1938] and hormonal effects which increase
Bisphenol A (BPA) — used in epoxy resin and
breast cancer risk in human [Krishnan et al., 1993].
polycarbonate plastics
Reported to act as anti-androgen that causes feminising
side-effects in men [Sohoni, & Sumpter].
Mimicking estrogen and disturbing reproduction by
Alkylphenols (i.e. nonylphenol)— used in detergents increasing number of eggs produced by Minnos and
vitellogenin levels [ENDS, 1999].
Estrogenic to breast cancer cells, rainbow trout
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) — used as a food
estrogen receptor and stimulates human estrogen
Antioxidant
receptor [Jobling et al., 1995].
Musk xylol — proved carcinogenic in a rodent
bioassay and significantly absorbed through human
Fragrances (musk) skin [Bronaugh et al., 1998].
Musk ambrette may damaging the nervous system
[Kirschner, 1997].
The metabolites able to mimic estradiol (female
hormone) [Jacobson & Jacobson., 1997] and cause
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) —– used in carcinogenic [Harrison et al., 1995].
electrical equipment Exposure was reported to cause delayed brain
development and IQ decrease in children [Routledge et
al., 1998].
Preservatives, i.e., parabens (alkyl- Shows weak estrogenic activity [Routledge et al 1998].
phdroxybenzoate)— used for anti-microbiological Found in the receiving waters [Okumura &
preservatives in cosmetics, toiletteries and even foods Nishikawa., 1996], that cause toxic, biocide (kill
Disinfectants/antiseptics, .i.e., triclosan — microorganism) and also cause bacteria resistance
used in toothpaste, handsoaps, acne cream) development towards triclosan [McMurry et al., 1998].
Shown to cause resistance among bacterial pathogens
Antibiotics (such as penicillin, sulfonamides, [Witte, 1998] that lead to altered microbial community
tetracylines) structure in the nature and affect higher food chain
[Daughton & Ternes., 1999].
Estrone and 17-β estradiol (steroidal estrogens) and
Cause feminization which observed for fish in sewage
17-α ethynylestradiol (synthetic contraceptive) —
treatment [Witte, 1998]. The discharge causes
contained in contraceptive pills
mimicking estrogen/hormone effect to non-target

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Antibiotics Disinfectants triclosan Perfluorodecanoic acid

ciprofloxacins (pFDA)

Antihistamine Phenolic Compounds

(ranitidine) (nitrophenol, Phenol,
Chlorophenol)

Anti-
inflammations and Bisphenol (BPA)
analgesics
(diclofenac,
fetoprotein)

Anti-epileptic
(carbamazepine)

Antimicrobials

Antidiabetics
(Sulphonylurea)

Fig. 1. Various Categories of Emerging Contaminants

Developing countries are yet to settle Pharmaceuticals

with the need to institutionalize their Pharmaceuticals are any blended or natural
environmental regulatory structure on chemical compounds intended to cure and
emerging micro-pollutants [Pomiès et al., prevent the spread of diseases as well as
2013]. Through recent monitoring studies, enhancing human and creature life [Maletz
presence of these micro pollutants in the et al., 2013]. Pharmaceuticals have been
water have been founded in various classified as active substances and are
developing countries [Sorensen et al., given to animals in order to enhance their
2015; Olujimi et al., 2012]. Fig. 1 shows growth rate and feeding efficiency [Daghrir
different categories of chemicals of & Drogui, 2013]. In human and animal
emerging concern present in environment. body, pharmaceuticals have different

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applications and metabolism, chemical environment have been started to discuss

structure and behaviour [Fawell & Ong, since 1990s [Bound & Voulvoulis, 2005;
2012; Jiang et al., 2013]. Various Glassmeyer & Furlong, 2005; Larsson et al.,
compounds associated to pharmaceuticals 2007; Heberer & Feldmann 2005].
have been detected in the freshwater and
wastewater worldwide [Miller & Meek, Personal Care Products
2006; Watkinson et al., 2009; Vulliet & Personal care products are manufactured
Cren-Olive 2011; Mutiyar & Mittal 2014]. from variety of active and inert substances
Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), anti-epileptic which includes both prescribed as well as
(carbamazepine), anti-diabetics non-prescribed pharmaceuticals that are
(sulfonylurea), anti-inflammatories used by human for personal care purposes
antimicrobials (penicillins), and analgesics and animals for veterinary purposes [Jiang
(ketoprofen, diclofenac), antihistamine drugs et al., 2013]. It consists of different products
(ranitidine and famotidine) and antiulcer, like synthetic hormones, sun screens,
anti-anxiety/hypnotic agents (diazepam), analgesics, cosmetics, insect repellent,
lipid regulators (Clofibrate) are the few shampoos, toiletries, preservatives,
classifications of pharmaceuticals on the fragrances, lipid regulators and steroids.
basis of their therapeutic uses [Esplugas et From above mentioned form of products,
al., 2007; Kanakaraju et al., 2014], most of them are familiar to us, as they are
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs readily used in our daily life. Personal care
(NSAIDs), anticonvulsants, antibiotics and products are different from some
lipid regulators are the main four classes of pharmaceuticals in the way of its
pharmaceuticals out of 24 which are application as they are used directly on our
predominantly found in water, that are used body in order to change or we can say
for humans and animals [Mompelat et al., improve our body appearance, taste, and
2009]. Moreover, recently pharmaceuticals odour, unlike other pharmaceuticals which
have been categorised as anti-inflammatories are ingested. We can categorize personal
and analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen), care products into two categories namely
antiepileptics (carbamazepine), polycyclic musks and parabens, which are
antidepressants (benzodiazine-pines), b- being used to prevent decay of bacteria
blockers (atenolol, metoprolol), lipid [Fawell & Ong, 2012]. In addition to this, a
lowering drugs (fibrates), antiulcer and number of disinfectants like chloroprene
antihistamines drugs (famotidine), antibiotics and triclosan are used by industries in
(tetracyclines), anticancer drugs manufacture of different consumer products
(cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide), in the form of hand soap, sportswear, air
antipyretics, tranquilizers and stimulates by fresheners, lotions, toothpaste, plastics,
Bruce et al. and Rivera-Utrilla et al [Bruce et medical disinfectants, mouthwash and toys
al., 2010; Rivera-Utrilla et al.,2013]. There [Fawell & Ong, 2012; Houtman, 2010].In
are more than 5000 substances related to the same way, alkylated siloxanes and
pharmaceuticals that have been synthesised benzophenone are assimilated in hair care
and are made available to humans and products and sun screen lotions.
animals [Van Doorslaer et al., 2017]. The In last few decade due to continuous
main issue related to pharmaceuticals is their usage of PCPs, a massive amount of
chronic toxicity effects. These compounds Personal care products either in their
are not easy to be degraded biologically and original or transformed form make their
are soluble in water and hence are found in way into water and identified in waste
wastewater and freshwaters. Concerns water treatment plants. These metabolites
related to pharmaceutical substances in the are converted into different forms like

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some of them are reduced to harmless others are the main manufactured product in
compounds, for example, carbon dioxide which these xenobiotics compound are
and water which are mostly inorganic in present. They causes adverse effect on
nature within a waste water treatment plant endocrine systems of fishes and other
and some of them due to their lipophilic aqueous animals [Piva & Martini, 1998].
nature and non-biodegradability adhere to These effects may be cumulative and have
other hydrophilic compounds gets partially the possibility of appearing and showing its
adsorbed onto sedimentation sludge [Jiang symptoms in subsequent generations and
et al., 2013]. While a portion of it gets then these effects may be irreversible.
released to the receiving water in the waste Though, most of the EDCs are synthetic
water treatment plant either in original organic chemicals which have be present in
form or metabolized form, which is more the environment because of anthropogenic
persistent to the environment. activities (e.g., Bisphenol A) but, these can
Generally, Micro-pollutants make their be generated naturally e.g., estrone.
way into the aquatic environments i.e.,
surface water due to recreational activities Sources and Effects of Chemicals of
like swimming, and also due to daily Emerging Concern
activities like bathing, showering along Emerging concern chemicals enters the
with other technological process [Larsson environment through multiple point and
et al., 2007; Kasprzyk-Hordern et al., 2009; non-point sources (such as mining
Rahman et al., 2009]. We all know the ill activities, hospitals, pharmaceutical
effect of PCPs on our environment and industries, and health service centres, or
water system but still, there discharge is agricultural practices [Agunbiade &
unregulated and they are carelessly thrown Moodley, 2014]. In metropolitan areas
in our immediate environment. The sewer overflows, disposal of animal waste,
condition further deteriorates in developing run-off from farmland and septic tank
countries due to improper regulations and effluents are the other sources through
lack of strict supervision as there is no which emerging pollutants enters the
regulatory frame work. environment. The various other routes
through which these contaminant enters the
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) environment includes cleaning agents,
Endocrine glands, hormones, and receptors household use and disposal of personal
are the main part of Endocrine systems care products, unused drugs in the
which help in regulating the physiological sewerage system or septic tank [Swartz et
activities of body like reproductive processes al., 2006; Labadie et al., 2007; Dougherty
[Flint et al., 2012]. A hormone secreted by et al., 2010]. Sources of different emerging
Endocrine glands gets disturbed by certain micro pollutants and important classes in
compounds. These compounds have been the aquatic environment has been shown in
named as endocrine disrupting compounds Table 2. Most of these compounds are
and are also called as endocrine disrupting passed in the same form (unchanged)
chemicals, or endocrine disruptors, or enters the terrestrial environment [Barnes
endocrine modulators. EDCs are natural or et al., 2002; Pryor et al., 2002; Harrison et
chemical compounds that may link with the al., 2006]. These chemicals along with
oestrogenic receptors and enhance or their metabolites have been detected in the
obstruct the hormones from proper working aquatic life in thousands of numbers and in
[Jackson & Sutton, 2008]. Cosmetics, many cases, effect of these metabolites
toothpaste, detergent, plastic bottles, have been founded to be more dangerous
polyvinylchloride pipes, children toys among than the original compounds [Daghrir &
Drogui, 2013].
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Table 2. Emerging pollutants sources and important classes [Luo et al., 2014].
Category Important classes Sources
Fragrances, disinfectants, UV filters, Domestic wastewater (from bathing,
Personal care products
and insect repellents (triclosan) shaving, spraying, swimming)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), lipid regulator, Domestic wastewater (from excretion), and
Pharmaceuticals
anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and β hospital effluents
blockers
Steroid hormones Oestrogens Domestic wastewater (from excretion)
Plasticisers, fire retardants Domestic wastewater (from leaching out of
Industrial chemicals
(bisphenol-A; phthalates the material)
Domestic wastewater (from bathing,
laundry, dishwashing and etc.),
Surfactants Non-ionic surfactants
industrial wastewater (from industrial
cleaning discharges)

Current designed wastewater systems (Central India), lakes, rivers and

have been founded to be less efficient in wastewater of Hyderabad (north-western
treating these compounds from the system. India) and Kaveri, Tamiraparani and Vellar
The problem with these compounds is due to Rivers (southern India) so far has been
their complex structures and low utilised as monitoring stations. Wastewater
concentration in water. Because of higher treated from Hyderabad treatment plant has
persistency in the aquatic environment, these shown maximum of 12 pharmaceuticals
micro-pollutants impart negative impacts having concentration of more than 1 μg/l,
upon living organisms. Impact of these as the treatment plant treats wastes from
pollutants includes; birth defects, prostate pharmaceutical industries located nearby.
cancer, feminisation of male or Ciprofloxacin, citalopram and cetirizine
masculinizing of female, long duration were found to be in high concentration
toxicological effects, thyroid, and other with values up to 14, 0.43, and 2.1 mg/l
cancers and increase in bacterial resistance to respectively [Schulz & Schmoldt, 2003].
antibiotics [Marcoux et al., 2013]. These For groundwater sampling, six wells
compounds also leads to cancers and low were taken in to account and two samples
sperm count in the species that are found in from each well were collected. Through the
the terrestrial environment [Klaper & Welch, various investigations, it was founded that
2011]. Therefore, there is need of global wells contained a high concentration of
attention towards the source, pathways of pharmaceuticals (i.e. up to 28 mg/l of
entrance in environment and health related cetirizine and 14 mg/l of ciprofloxacin). 4
effects that have been developed due to these out of these 6 wells are currently being
toxic and xenobiotics. Further, global utilised as source of drinking water because
environmental regulatory bodies need to of inadequate alternatives. The State
establish laws regarding utilisation and Pollution Control Board is aware of the
discharge limits of these compounds illegal dumping of pharmaceutical waste
[Agunbiade & Moodley, 2014]. and acknowledges the significance of the
problem [Boralkar et al., 2004]. However,
Occurrence of emerging contaminants in no remedial actions plan till yet has been
Aquatic Sources in India suggested by any of the researchers even
Up till now, a total of 19 pharmaceutical after monitoring of these chemicals was
based pollutants have been measured all done 2009. Presence of ciprofloxacin,
over India in drinking water, surface water, sparfloxacin, ampicillin, cefuroxime and
and wastewater sources. Wastewater gatifloxacin has been investigated in one of
treatment plants in New Delhi and Ujjain

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the reports in freshwater and wastewaters of environment and thus taking advantage of
Delhi‘s Yamuna River in northern part of this property biosensors for endocrine
India [Mutiyar & Mittal, 2014]. Seven disruptors have been developed [Martins et
antibiotics were also investigated in one of al., 2013; Scognamiglio et al., 2012].
the work and they have tried to develop a There is urgent tendency for the
relation between consumption and development of large scale biosensors
development of antibiotic resistance in E. clusters because in real-time monitoring of
coli present in these waters. Four out of multiple species would be recommended. To
seven antibiotics, were detected in the understand the effects of the pollutants
wastewater samples and belonged to (emerging) at the molecular level, modern
fluoroquinolone group. Ciprofloxacin was technologies are being used. DNA
present in highest concentration (236.6 Microarrays which are being used in
μg/L) [Diwan et al., 2010]. ecotoxicogenomics are one of such
technology [Poynton & Vulpe, 2009].
Biomonitoring and Biosensors Furthermore, the detection of pollutants and
Bioassays, biomarkers, and microbial its concentration can be investigated by
community analyses together are constituted developing molecular biomarkers. The
as a biomonitoring tools. These modern day techniques, which not only
biomonitoring tools have excellent tendency allows the determination of contamination
of reducing and regulating the concentration bio accessibility but also the prediction of
of emerging pollutants. Therefore they have microbial degradation is a crucial part of
potential for increasing confidence in the risk environmental (bio) monitoring [McAllister
assessment of both regulated and emerging & Semple, 2010].
chemical pollutants. Environmental
monitoring and screening can be parallelly Innovative Approaches in
achieved by the sensors developed to Bioremediation of Emerging Pollutants
determine several analytes. A process in which biological organism
Biosensors as a whole can be denoted as plays a key role in the improvement of
system, which have potential of tendency environment is called environmental
to detect the present of a substrate by bioremediation [Chaudhry, 1994; Bloom &
making use of biological components, de Serres, 1995]. Many microorganisms
which then provides signals [Gu et al., can degrade the energy level of these
2004; Bilal et al., 2019]. These bio sensing environmental pollutant so as to make use
techniques are becoming more and more of these undesirable environmental
utilized techniques as consequences of pollutants as food sources. Thus, these
which vast expansion studies and research microbes acts as a bio-remediator for the
are being done on these. These studies led environment because they biodegrade the
to development of the modern bio sensing pollutant to obtain energy.
devices not only for environmental The terms bioremediation and
monitoring but for genetic engineering and biodegradation are not to be confused.
sensor for cell development as well. For Biodegradation directly refers to the breaking
example it is accepted that many endocrine down of the materials enzymatically (not
disruptors, as agonists or antagonists, can necessarily waste). Whereas, bioremediation
bind to the estrogen receptor (ER). means chemical degradation of pollutants by
Therefore, the study of the chemical microorganisms [Ahmed et al., 2017]. The
binding capacity of the ER would prove to process, co-metabolism, requires an ample
be useful in screening or testing the supply of the preferred food substrate and
potential toxicity of these substances on the also requires that the degrading enzymes
come into contact with the waste by waste
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absorption or by enzyme secretion. The Furthermore the elimination of these

simple information required to enhance EDCs by MBRs before disinfection may
natural biodegradation is knowledge of the result in removal effectiveness of 96% in
microorganisms present in a given site, their municipal waste-water, as compared to
growth requirements, and how these 85% efficiencies obtained in a
organisms interact with one another and their conventional treatment plant, However,
environment. MBRs may be ineffective for the removal
The most appropriate method for of several compounds if the sludge
concentration and containment of pollutants retention time (SRT) is extended [Caliman
depend on water content of pollutant. & Gavrilescu, 2009; Spring et al., 2007].
Bioremediation of emerging pollutants is a As there is growing cases of outbreaks of
developing field of great importance for the infectious waterborne diseases, these are
future acceptance [Bilal et al., 2017]. becoming a challenge to both the water and
Environmental hazards which occur due to public health sector. Therefore there is
accumulation of the toxic waste can be urgent need of the development of new
reduced by this biological technologies (bio) technologies for water treatment and
[Bilal, 2019; Liu et al., 2019]. Studies have monitoring biological micro pollutants and
shown that the biological solutions involve in this regard novel concepts are starting to
the action of microbes, plants, and animals emerge [Forrez et al., 2011; Poynton et al.,
under specific conditions that include both 2008]. The co-metabolism of estrogenic
abiotic and biotic factors, as these can helps compounds during nitrification may be
in achieving mineralization, transformation useful in the removal of pollutants of
or immobilization of contaminants pharmaceuticals and personal care products
[Gavrilescu, 2010; Gavrilescu & Chisti, (PCPs), While usage of other heterotrophic
2005; Bilal et al., 2019]. As a consequence of bacteria may be beneficial to further
insufficient information being available, at degrade the intermediate metabolites of
now it is difficult to suppose that the these micro pollutants produced by the
environmental impacts of traces of chemicals action of aerobic nitrifiers [Forrez et al.,
would be minimized or removed. 2011; Stahl & de la Torre, 2012].
In the aquatic ecosystem, environment
pollution control can be obtained by following Discussion Related to Emerging
the practices of the well-established activated pollutant: an India Context
sludge wastewater treatment, as the Pharmaceuticals, PCPs, and EDCs have been
conventional treatment systems (activated measured so far in the aquatic sources of
sludge) is proved to be less efficient in India. Each category of compounds showed
removing EDCs from wastewater [Gavrilescu contamination concern because of the risk
& Chisti, 2005]. As a drawback of associated to them or because of the violation
conventional systems, membrane bioreactors of standard regulations. Pharmaceutical
(MBRs) can be used as alternate options in pollutants have been founded as serious
because they have proved to be more concern in the region of Hyderabad, India.
efficient in removing toxic compounds which These contaminant in high concentration
are fails to be removed or biodegraded in causes harmful effect on the environment by
conventional activated sludge systems three ways (Larsson, 2008). Firstly, the
[Barrios-Estrada et al., 2018]. For example, antibiotics present in wastewater damages
algae-based bioreactors can be used for the metabolic activities or induce toxicity,
removal of pharmaceuticals-based ECs from which even leads to killing of
wastewater either completely or partially microorganisms that impairs the wastewater
[Tolboom et al., 2019]. treatment process. The second aspect is the
contamination of the environment,
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particularly microbial ecosystems. Thirdly, Conservatory Directorate (NRCD) should

presence of antibiotics in such a wide range increase scope of their conventional
in the environment leads to development of monitoring of such toxic compounds.
antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.
In order to maintain the microbial Conclusion and Future Perspective
population in the treatment plant, raw Presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals
sewage containing human pathogens is has been founded in the global water cycle.
added at the influent (approximately 20% These compounds cause harm to
of the incoming load). Moreover, environment and also found to have
conventional activated sludge process in malignant effect on aquatic species. The
which the sludge is recirculated in the effect of these chemicals with continuous
wastewater treatment plant. consumption are not known by many
As the pharmaceutical products humans. Accordingly, preparatory guidelines
manufactured in this area are exported to are beneficial as they creates long-term harm
various parts of the world, therefore to environment and human health. There
remediation of the problem especially because should be increase in involvement of various
of concern related to antibiotic resistance ministries, agencies, and department with
becomes international responsibility [Fick et responsibility of protecting the environment
al., 2009]. From economic perspective, it may from these chemicals. Higher health risk
not seem worthwhile to discharge milligram- involving chemicals should be banned.
scale pharmaceuticals into the river. However, There is need of more research
the input for pharmaceutical production is requirement so that a more efficient hybrid
very small compared with the cost of the final system for degradation and removal of these
product, which led to huge savings in the contaminants from municipal water system.
industry. These savings can be compared with Majority of the organic loads from treatment
investment and operational costs of a plants are still removed by using membrane
treatment plant producing clean effluents bioreactors or conventional activated sludge.
(Larsson, 2008). Triclosan (TCS) This secondary treatment setup is required to
concentration has been founded to be highest be equipped with more advanced treatment
so far in the world in the Tamirapani River. system which may have combinations of
Ecotoxicological assessment of various chemical, physical or biological methods so
compounds in the Tamirapani River was done that emerging contaminants can be removed
by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ) that from the system. Still, more research is
expresses the risk to a human receptor from needed to be done so that a more reliable
exposure of such chemicals. Higher TCS of method for toxicity test even at low
HQ > 1 has been reported for aquatic life at all concentration of these contaminants can be
sites. High risk on algal communities because done more easily.
of the high level of pharmaceuticals, in the
range of 3,800 to 5,160 ng/l in Tamariparani ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to acknowledge the
River has been founded [Ramaswamy et al.,
cooperation and assistance received from
2011]. Therefore, from this review, it seems
NIT Agartala. The corresponding author,
that identifying the sources of these
Naveen Patel, is thankful to Professor
compounds is also a concern in India for
Umesh Mishra, Assistant Professor
which detail monitoring of remaining aquatic
Biswanath Bhunia, NIT, Agartala, India,
sources is required for which research centers
and other anonymous reviewers for their
in India along with cooperation of regulatory
valuable suggestions to improve this
bodies such as the Central Pollution Control
review.
Board (CPCB) and the National River

108
 Pollution, 6(1): 99-113, Winter 2020

GRANT SUPPORT DETAILS Bilal, M., Asgher, M., Iqbal, H.M., Hu, H. and
The present research did not receive any Zhang, X. (2017). Bio-based degradation of
emerging endocrine-disrupting and dye-based
financial support.
pollutants using cross-linked enzyme
aggregates. Environ Sci Pollut Res, 24(8);7035-7041
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there is not any Bilal, M. and Iqbal, H.M. (2019). Microbial-derived
biosensors for monitoring environmental
conflict of interests regarding the publication
contaminants: Recent advances and future
of this manuscript. In addition, the ethical outlook. Process Saf. Environ.
issues, including plagiarism, informed
Bilal, M., Adeel, M., Rasheed, T., Zhao, Y. and
consent, misconduct, data fabrication and/ or Iqbal, H.M. (2019). Emerging contaminants of high
falsification, double publication and/or concern and their enzyme-assisted biodegradation–
submission, and redundancy has been A review. Environ Int, 124;336-53.
completely observed by the authors. Bilal, M., Rasheed, T., Nabeel, F., Iqbal, H.M. and
Zhao, Y. (2019). Hazardous contaminants in the
LIFE SCIENCE REPORTING environment and their laccase-assisted degradation–
No life science threat was practiced in this A review. J Environ Manage, 234;253-64.
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and human health: a biological approach to
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