Emerging contaminants

We propose comprehensive management using sources, transfer and fate of emerging contaminants. Non-structural approaches include disseminating information about ECs among consumers and producers, providing incentives for controlling the contaminant loads as well as improved and updated policy mechanism regarding pollutant standards. Structural approaches at source level can include best management practices like buffer strips, riparian management, natural and constructed wetlands.

In order to remove trace pollutants, advanced technologies such as NF, RO, and activated carbon adsorption are most efficient, they are less cost-effective as compared to other advanced treatment methods. Source separation by No-Mix toilets offers the opportunity to separate and treat emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical residues, endocrine disruptors, and other micro-pollutants in a cost-effective way. To remove ECs at sink level, various advanced treatment methods such as activated sludge treatment, powder activated carbon (PAC), ozonation, membrane bioreactor, RO, ultra- low pressure reverse osmosis (RO), nanofiltration (NF), are being used. NF is effective in removing most recalcitrant ECs such as carbamazepine, chloromeb, isoxathion, chloroneb, and chlorpyrifos.