Emerging contaminants in biosolids: Presence, fate and analytical techniques

Emerging contaminants (ECs) represent a small fraction of the large chemical pollution puzzle where wide variety potentially hazardous chemicals reach environment, and new compounds are continuously synthesized released in wastewater treatment plants ultimately effluent biosolids. ECs have been classified into various categories; however, this article focuses on fate major categories, namely pharmaceutical personal care products (PPCPs), per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), flame retardants, surfactants, endocrine-disrupting (EDCs), microplastics (MPs). These when discharged to sewer downstream can undergo further transformations either degrade, persist or convert by-products which potential some cases be more hazardous. Because dangerous impacts availability these information behavior pollutants is highly important develop strategies, such as regulation imported Australia Australian consumer goods environmental policies mitigate them sustainable way. Moreover, advanced technologies required for detection identification novel emerging environment at ultra low levels. The application chromatographic techniques coupled with mass spectroscopy has provided attractive breakthroughs detect contaminants. However, it crucially understand sensitivity robustness analytical dealing complex matrices In addition, most literature was focused selected family existing reviews paid less attention examine formation metabolites during process their ecosystem. This review presents an overview presence different classes around world, quantification from sources like (influents effluents), sludge transformation process, intermediate also critically discussed. Three steps analysis include sample preparation, extraction clean-up, analysis; hence, methods employed thoroughly discussed, advantages limitations highlighted. comprehensive believed enhance understanding sewage would useful readers relevant communities stakeholders investigate maximize destruction ECs.