26.3 Various Sources of ECs

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26.2.4

Inorganic Metals in Foods and Water

Contamination of water and food materials by inorganic metals and compounds is

the one of the major issues all over the world. Even trace of some of these metals will

affect the health of the individuals. Common inorganic metals that found in ground-

water and foods are lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). Millions of people

worldwide suffer due to arsenic (As) toxicity, particularly the oxyanions arsenate

(As(V)) and arsenite (As(III)) are more toxic than organic forms. Metals like As, Pb,

and Hg are carcinogenic and toxic in nature. They are non-biodegradable and spread

in the land and waters [7].

26.2.5

Perfluorinated Compounds

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs)are major combination of perfluorooctane sul-

fonate (PFOS) and perfluoro octanoic acid (PFOA) which are mainly used in the

production of fire-fighting foams, metal spray, detergent products, lubricants, inks,

varnishes, coating formulations (for walls, furniture, carpets, and food packaging

materials), waxes, water and oil repellents for leather, paper, and textiles. The PFCs

are considered as bioaccumulative and hazardous to the humans and other living

organisms due to their high heat and light tolerance and highly indigestible nature.

Various samples are being collected and analyzed for the PFC contaminants. The

obtained results show that they were found in surface water, sea, wildlife water

sources, drinking water, human serum, and even breast milk. The PFC is identified

as carcinogen and it is one of the major sources of cancer causing agents in humans

and animals [8].

26.2.6

Disinfection Byproducts

Disinfection products are the chemical substances used on various surfaces and

in water sources to remove the microorganisms. However, disinfectant byproducts

(DBPs) are hazardous to the humans and other living organisms. When chlorine is

used in the disinfectant product, it reacts with air and water and creates an odor

which will cause breathing problems when inhaled in excess amounts. More than

600 DBPs have been discovered, which include iodinated trihalomethanes (THMs),

aldehydes, ketones, halomethanes, hydroxy acids, carboxylic acids, alcohols, keto

acids, esters, and even nitrosamines (NDMA). The DBPs are carcinogenic and may

lead to other health risks like infertility, fetal loss, long gestational duration and

poor fetal growth, and fetal anomalies [8].

26.3

Various Sources of ECs

26.3.1

Deposition of Solid and Liquid Waste on Land

Land pollution is caused due to the deposition of solid or liquid waste materials

on the land. When this is followed for long term, it may penetrate underground in

a manner that can contaminate the soil and groundwater, threaten public health,