Pollutant Sources, Removal Techniques and their Impacts on Environmental Quality and Ecological Sustainability

Environmental pollution is a major global challenge that threatens environmental quality, human health, biodiversity, and ecological sustainability. This review examines the sources of environmental pollutants, pollutant removal techniques, their effectiveness, and their impacts on environmental quality and ecological sustainability. Major sources of pollution include industrial activities, agricultural practices, domestic waste, petroleum operations, transportation, and improper waste disposal. Common pollutants include heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, plastics, particulate matter, and emerging contaminants. Conventional removal techniques, such as filtration, adsorption, chemical precipitation, and biological treatment, are discussed alongside emerging approaches, including phytoremediation, nanotechnology, membrane filtration, electrochemical treatment, and advanced oxidation processes. The review highlights that the effectiveness of these techniques depends on pollutant characteristics, treatment conditions, operational costs, and environmental requirements. Although pollutant removal technologies can improve air, water, and soil quality, some generate secondary waste, consume substantial energy, or produce potentially harmful transformation products. These limitations emphasize the need for integrated treatment strategies, effective waste management, pollution prevention, and continuous environmental monitoring. Sustainable pollution control should prioritize affordable, energy-efficient, and environmentally safe technologies that support ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and resource recovery. The review concludes that combining conventional and emerging remediation techniques with stronger environmental regulations and sustainable production practices is essential for reducing pollution and promoting long-term ecological sustainability.