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26 Novel Biotechnological Approaches for Removal of Emerging Contaminants

human health [1]. Microfibers, microplastics, pharmaceutical products, PCPs,

inorganic metals in foods and water, perfluorinated compounds, and disinfection

byproducts are some of the major ECs [2].

26.2.1

Microfibers and Microplastics

Microplastics and microfibers are the major contaminants in the ocean basins.

Around 9 million tons of microfiber is produced and used annually. Barrow et al.

done a detailed study on the microfibers and their environmental impact in open

ocean, coastal region, and understudied ocean region and reported that 57% of

contaminants were synthetic, 12% are semi-synthetic, and 31% are non-synthetic.

They have analyzed the samples using micro-Fourier transform infrared (μFT-IR)

method [3]. Plastic-based microfibers cause major hazards to the environment,

aquaculture, and humans. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are the main forms

of microfiber contaminants. Improper handling of these microfibers leads to the

mixing of the contaminants with groundwater which will affect the drinking water

quality.

26.2.2

Pharmaceutical Contaminants

Pharmaceutical contaminants include the hospital waste or biomedical waste such

as discarded needles, scalpels, lancets, blood, microbiological cultures, and other

devices capable of penetrating the skin. When compared to other contaminants,

these are very dangerous and infectious. Some of these wastes are also radioactive in

nature. The used cotton, needles, blood samples, and cultures for various analyses

are to be treated and disposed carefully. The pharmaceutical industry also place a

major role in the production of these contaminants, and the wastewater from these

industries must be monitored and treated before letting into the environment [4, 5].

The pathogenic samples, cultures used for testing and analysis, and kits used for the

biomedical sample collection must be treated and disposed using a standard proce-

dure and the process should be monitored regularly.

26.2.3

Personal Care Products and Its Contaminants

One of the leading industries in the world is PCPs. About 5500 million tons of PCPs

are being manufactured and used. Nowadays, both natural- and chemical-based

PCPs are being used. In the formulation of PCPs, chemicals such as nitro and poly-

cyclic musks (fragrances), methylbenzylidene camphor (UV blockers), parabens,

and isothiazolin derivatives (preservatives) are included for chemical and biological

stabilization of the product. These ECs are not yet studied, but the bioaccumulation

has been reported. The major source of these ECs is the municipal waste water.

The proper treatment is the only solution for the protection of the environment

and human beings. The PCPs contribute around 15% of the total contaminants

worldwide. There is rapid rise in the level of contamination due to rapid rise in the

use [6].