The chemical compounds that have been identified as dangerous to the
environment, ecosystem and human health are classified as Emerging Pollutants (EPs).
EPs include a variety of compounds such as dyes, pesticides, antibiotics, drugs,
endocrine disruptors, hormones, industrial wastes and chemicals, and microplastics.
These pollutants are malignant and non-biodegradable in nature, so they are
responsible for the unhealthy and unsustainable environment. The occurrence of these
pollutants has raised global concerns not only in various environmental matrices (air,
water, and soil) but also in biological systems due to their toxic nature. These
pollutants get accumulated in the environment and ecosystem and cause intensified
environmental problems, global warming, deterioration of soil quality, the greenhouse
effect, and ecological imbalance. Consequently, they affect the quality of life and the
maintenance of the environment on a global level. Recent research indicates that if this
trend is continued, situations will worsen in the near future. Sustainable solutions, such
as bioremediation, nano-bioremediation, microbial degradation etc., are becoming
increasingly important for the removal of these EPs as an efficient tool for sustainable
development and pollution control. Therefore, the main aim of this chapter is to assess
the current threats and future challenges associated with emerging pollutants so that
focus can be drawn on sustainable green solutions for a greener and healthier
environment.
Keywords: Bioremediation, Emerging contaminants, Ecosystem, Environment, Green solutions, Nano-bioremediation, Non-biodegradable, Pollutants, Pollution control, Sustainable.