Emerging organic contaminants in karst groundwater: A global level assessment

A quarter of the world's population uses groundwater from karst aquifers. range emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) are considered a potential threat to water resources and dependant ecosystems, aquifers most vulnerable systems anthropogenic pollution. This paper provides first global compilation (based on 50 studies) EOCs in explores EOC occurrence use understand systems. Of 144 compounds detected reviewed studies, vast majority pharmaceuticals pesticides. Maximum concentrations varied over five orders magnitude, nearly half exceed 100 ng/L. Karst is shown have lower frequency detection compared surface waters local shallow intergranular aquifers, but overall higher other major aquifer types. growing number studies demonstrated utility some legacy for quality assessment as tracers characterising They can improve understanding vulnerability, storage, attenuation mechanisms, cases been used assist with catchment delineation. research area hydrogeology, more needed contamination develop within our this critical resource.