Emerging pollutants in water and their remediation techniques with special emphasis on bioremediation: A review

Fresh water is the primary requirement for sustaining life on earth. Availability and access to safe drinking water is of greatest importance to maintain a healthy life. Extensive growth in industrialization and urbanization has led to increased pollution of natural water bodies with inorganic and organic pollutants and has become one of the greatest challenges of modern age. Emerging pollutants, both organic and inorganic, are chemicals which have major chronic and acute toxicity impacts on both flora and fauna and above a certain limit can affect human health as well. There are different types of these pollutants present in water bodies and due to their persistent nature are categorized as persistent inorganic (such as heavy metals) and organic (such as, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, endocrine disrupting agents, personal care products, etc.) pollutants and pose a serious problem at global level. This literature review aims to discuss these chemicals of concern with their sources, fate and health impacts and provides insight at the current challenges posed by the presence of emerging pollutants in the aquatic environment. Many researchers have designed and progressed in different remediation techniques of such chemicals, but these are all very diverse in nature. These processes include bioremediation, phyto-remediation, use of sorbents, use of membranes, activation of sludge, advanced oxidation method etc. This review intends to emphasize on bioremediation, as it is the most sustainable technique and most suitable to achieve sustainable environment.