Contaminants of Emerging Concerns and Reigning Removal Technologies

This book covers the integration of legacy, pathogenic, and emerging contaminants and their removal techniques, appealing to beginners and experts with diverse chapters and case studies. It provides implications for policy, guidelines, and regulation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book explores the intricate world of contaminants, encompassing both legacy and emerging pollutants, and delves into effective removal techniques. With a diverse range of chapters and topics, it caters to both beginners and experts, offering valuable insights and practical applications. Numerous case studies illustrate the proof of concepts, while also providing implications for policy, guidelines, and regulation. By addressing these critical issues, the book contributes to a safer and healthier environment for all.

Introduction:
Contaminants, whether they are legacy pollutants that have been present for decades or emerging contaminants that arise due to modern industrial activities or environmental changes, have become a significant concern for society. These pollutants can have detrimental effects on human health, ecosystems, and the environment, leading to a range of health problems, ecological imbalances, and environmental degradation.
Legacy Contaminants:
Legacy contaminants are those pollutants that have been in existence for a long time and have accumulated in the environment due to past industrial activities, improper waste disposal, or other sources. Examples of legacy contaminants include lead, mercury, asbestos, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These pollutants have been widely recognized for their harmful effects on human health, and efforts have been made to reduce their levels in the environment.
Emerging Contaminants:
Emerging contaminants, on the other hand, are those pollutants that have recently emerged or are expected to emerge in the future due to changes in industrial practices, technological advancements, or environmental factors. Examples of emerging contaminants include synthetic chemicals, microplastics, and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). These contaminants have not been extensively studied or regulated in the past, but their potential risks to human health and the environment are becoming increasingly apparent.
Removal Techniques:
Removal of contaminants is a critical step in mitigating their harmful effects on the environment and human health. There are several techniques available for removing contaminants from the environment, including physical, chemical, and biological methods. Physical methods include sedimentation, filtration, and excavation, while chemical methods include chemical oxidation, chemical precipitation, and bioremediation. Biological methods include phytoremediation, biodegradation, and bioaugmentation.
Challenges:
Removing contaminants from the environment is not an easy task, and there are several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the major challenges is the long-term persistence of contaminants in the environment, which can make it difficult to achieve complete removal. Another challenge is the cost of implementing and maintaining effective removal techniques, which can be expensive and require specialized expertise.
Policy, Guidelines, and Regulation:
In order to address the challenges of removing contaminants from the environment, policy, guidelines, and regulation are essential. Policymakers and regulatory agencies need to develop and implement policies that promote the use of effective removal techniques, encourage the reduction of pollutant emissions, and provide incentives for industries to adopt sustainable practices. Guidelines and regulations need to be established to ensure that the removal of contaminants is carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Conclusion:
Removing contaminants from the environment is a complex and challenging task, but it is essential for protecting human health, ecosystems, and the environment. By integrating legacy, pathogenic, and emerging contaminants and their removal techniques, this comprehensive book provides valuable insights and practical applications for beginners and experts alike. With numerous case studies illustrating the proof of concepts, it contributes to a safer and healthier environment for all.

Weight: 1070g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032162799