Emerging pollutants, related toxicity, and water quality decreasing

Abstract

The quality of drinking water is decreasing in distinct parts of the globe. Among the major sources of aquatic environmental pollution we have tannery wastewaters (TW). Pharmaceuticals into waters are reported as emerging pollutants and both of them are also related to surfactants and dyes usage during the manufacture. TW was the worst in terms of toxicity and organic matter, referred as chemical oxygen demand, when compared to surfactants, textile and pharmaceuticals considered in the present study. From the five surfactants alkylene oxide was relatively more toxic than the others to dafnids. The intention of the selected results, figures and discussion was to highlight so wide types and ways for water contamination as well as to demonstrate health and ecological risks related to effluent emissions by different productive sectors. When excessive amount of pollutants are introduced into the rivers they may reduce their biodegradation dynamics, reducing aquatic life diversity and relevant ecological services. Some important contributions to improve effluents control and treatment have also been discussed.