Geologija (Dec 2012)
Review of emerging organic pollutants in groundwater in Slovenia
Abstract
Emerging organic compounds EOC are substances which have been only recently determined as pollutants,and substances which have been newly developed or discovered in the environment. EOC in groundwater cancause adverse effects on the environment and human health. They enter into the natural environment as a resultof various anthropogenic activities. The article provides an overview of emerging organic pollutants that occur ingroundwater. These compounds are drug residues, substances originating from personal care products, pesticides,veterinary products, food additives, nanomaterials, industrial and other compounds found in wastewater. Thearticle describes the main sources and the presence of EOC in groundwater, pathways and potential impacts(risks). An overview of EOC detection research in the world is presented. Within the review of Slovenian studiesthe investigations dealing with the determination of wide spectrum of EOC presence in groundwater, with drugresidues in groundwater and waste water, or with the development of analytical methods for these substanceswere analyzed. From the entire analysis we inferred that we must be aware of the possible presence of EOC riskin groundwatereven in small concentrations. To reduce the yet extent unknown risks, it is necessary to determineEOC threshold values in groundwater and their impact. In the future it will be necessary to identify new pollutants,to develop new analytical methods to determine their sources and routes, and in particular, to establishmonitoring for these substances.
