The Occurrence of Micropollutants in the Aquatic Environment and Technologies for Their Removal

The presence of micropollutants in aquatic environments is an increasing global concern due to their persistence and potential harmful effects on aquatic organisms. Among the most concerning of these micropollutants are microplastics, pharmaceutical compounds, personal care products, and industrial chemicals, posing a significant threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems. This issue is further exacerbated by the diverse sources and complex physicochemical properties of micropollutants, as well as the inability of conventional water and wastewater treatment systems to effectively remove these contaminants. The removal of micropollutants is therefore becoming increasingly important, leading to extensive research into various physicochemical, biological, and hybrid treatment methods aimed at minimizing their environmental impact. This review examines the classification, occurrence, and associated environmental and health risks of commonly detected micropollutants in aquatic systems. Additionally, it provides an overview of advanced treatment methods being developed to implement a fourth purification stage in wastewater treatment plants. Biological, chemical, physical, and hybrid purification technologies are critically reviewed, with a focus on their performance characteristics and potential applications.