Emerging pollutants-a potential threat to the marine environment

Abstract

Development of physical-chemical analysis methods has led to detection many chemical compounds (microplastics, pesticides, steroids, hormones, contraceptives, fragrances, sunscreen agents, water disinfection by products, gasoline additives, pharmaceutical formulations used in the treatment of human and veterinary affections, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, UV-filters, etc.) into the marine environment, called emerging pollutants. Their release into the environment was caused by industrial overgrowth, an excessive modernization of agriculture and the development of maritime transport. The large number of chemicals and compounds from surface waters, soils, groundwaters, and sediments is seen as a potential threat to human health because their presence is not widely regulated or monitored by national and international legislation. The emergence of these compounds is due to the increase of concern degree due to the impact they produce on the environment, as a result of their presence in a wide types variety and at different concentrations. The present paper aims to compile available data about the occurrence, sources, and impact of emerging pollutants to improve the analytical methods for detecting more contaminants, to establish new guideline values useful for human health and marine environment protection.