Role and Effect of Persistent Organic Pollutants to Our Environment and Wildlife

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic substances composed of carbon-based chemical compounds and mixtures. In the recent times, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) came as a threat for the wildlife and environmental world. POPs are chemically stable, remain intact in the environment for long periods, are recalcitrant in nature, and are lipophilic in nature. Therefore, they accumulate in fatty tissue of living organisms and reside longer period of time finally affecting the human and wildlife. It is believed that approximately 90% of human beings are exposed to POPs from their diets that contain animal products. These foods lead to bioaccumulation in fat tissues that then cause health hazard. There are many studies such that its behavior in photocatalytic oxidation reactions are available; also many research studies are going to combat from these toxic substances. In this chapter, we will take you through how persistent organic pollutants are affecting our environment and wildlife and what are its roles.