Researchers from Nanjing University and Nanjing University & Yancheng Environmental Testing Technology Co., Ltd. have published a comprehensive review titled “Priority Emerging Contaminants in the Taihu Basin (China): Occurrence, Risk Assessment, and Control Strategies” in the journal Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering. This review examines the impact of emerging contaminants, particularly in Lake Taihu, which is the largest shallow freshwater lake in eastern China and plays a crucial role in the ecological and economic landscape of the Yangtze River Delta.
The study highlights the significant environmental challenges faced by this region due to the presence of emerging contaminants (ECs), notably per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs). These contaminants have been increasingly detected across the basin, largely attributed to extensive industrial, aquaculture, and agricultural activities.
A detailed analysis of existing literature revealed that both PFAS and NEOs have gained attention as critical concerns not only in China but globally. The review summarized findings on the prevalence and concentration levels of these contaminants in the Taihu Basin, indicating a high detection frequency that poses considerable ecological risks.
Risk assessment conducted within the study underscores the threats posed by PFAS, NEOs, and other emerging contaminants to local ecosystems. The authors systematically reviewed various treatment technologies aimed at mitigating the impact of these substances. However, many existing methods encounter challenges related to scalability, energy consumption, and operational conditions that hinder their effective application in the basin.
In response to these challenges, ecological engineering treatment technologies are being utilized in the Taihu region to tackle emerging agricultural contaminants. Despite their application, these technologies face limitations, such as low removal efficiencies and issues of toxicity inhibition.
The authors argue for the urgent need to develop more effective and sustainable technologies for managing emerging contaminants in Lake Taihu. They also provide a flowchart to assist in identifying priority controlled ECs and discuss future directions for addressing these contaminants in the basin.
This research offers valuable scientific insights that can aid in the sustainable management of emerging contaminants, highlighting the critical need for effective control strategies to protect the ecological integrity of Lake Taihu.
For more information, the full paper can be accessed at: Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering.
