Review article

Micropollutants in surface waters and groundwater in Europe

Kristina Miklec orcid.org/0000-0002-6302-4347 ; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Geotehnički fakultet, Varaždin, Hrvatska
Sonja Toth ; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Geotehnički fakultet, Varaždin, Hrvatska
Jelena Loborec ; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Geotehnički fakultet, Varaždin, Hrvatska
Ivana Grčić orcid.org/0000-0003-3730-8431 ; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Geotehnički fakultet, Varaždin, Hrvatska

Abstract

Micropollutants, or emerging contaminants, are found in very small concentrations in natural watercourses. They are mostly a consequence of human activities, e.g. industrial activities, agriculture, or simply lifestyle-related. These substances, when passing through waste water treatment plants, are not isolated, thus entering natural water systems. Although they appear in relatively low concentrations in natural watercourses, they still cause concern among scientists. There is a growing research of these compounds, since they are often harmful both for the environment and humans, particularly if they break down to more toxic compounds. As human activities intensify, micropollutant concentrations in the environment gradually increase, so we have the obligation to research different possibilities of waste water treatment in order to reduce their environmental impact. This paper offers an overview of earlier detected micropollutants in surface waters and groundwater in Europe with the aim of drawing attention to their potential appearance, or of products of their breakdown, in further research.

Keywords

micropollutants in water; emerging contaminants; Water Framework Directive; second monitoring list

Hrčak ID:

281467

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/281467

Publication date:

30.6.2022.

Article data in other languages: croatian german

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