replacement of natural hormones which help in maintaining bodily functions like
homeostasis, reproduction, development and behavior [109]). It is now widely
accepted that the three main kinds of EDCs are estrogenic in nature and they
operate by either mimicking or blocking the pathway of natural estrogens, androgens or thyroids (triggers instant or oblique consequences to the thyroid) [95].
Natural and engineered EDCs are released in the surrounding by human acts,
creatures and industries; primarily passing via sewage treatment before finally being
discharged into surface water, groundwater, soil and silt. Based on the aforementioned reasons, a lot of research has been carried out just on estrogenic compounds.
These compounds are found in very low concentrations (ng L
−1 or lg L
−1 ) in
wastewater. EDCs are of deep concern since their long period of exposure and
effect on humans is unidentified. Today, there are more than 85,000 chemicals that
are manufactured out of which thousands may just are EDCs. A list of typical EDCs
along with their categories is presented in Table 1. Triclosan which is a antimicrobial compound, is widely used since decades in varieties of PCPs (personal care
products) like cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, skin-care lotions and creams, deodorants, toothpastes and mouthwashes [18]. Polychlorinated biphenyl, a flame retardant, is a category of chemical compounds and are utilised in textiles, plastics, and
furnishing foams. They have majorly provided towards reducing the risks of fire
[72]. Perfluorinated compounds have extraordinary chemical properties such as
their ability to repelwater, lipids and oil. These compounds are used in water, grease
or dirt repellent platings, in sprays for leather and textiles and in non-stick cookware
as PTFE (Teflon) coating [47]. Bisphenol A (2,2-Bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane) is
weakly estrogenic and also possesses some anti-androgenic activity [96]. It is a
plasticizer manufactured in large quantities and is used in the manufacturing of
polycarbonate and epoxy resins, flame retardants and unsaturated polyester-styrene
resins as a monomer [99]. Its end product is applied in the platings of cans, dental
fillings, and additives in thermal paper, powder paints and antioxidants in plastics
[99]. Their discharge in our surrounding occurs throughout the production as well
as through leaching from the end products [35]. Being a ubiquitous type of plasticizers Phthalates are widely utilised various products like cosmetic products,
playing things, packaging of foods, and medical equipment. Di (2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate, one of the most common phthalates, presents a definite public health
concern because 100% of population of the US shows significant and detectable
levels of this EDC [42].
3.3 Artificial Sweeteners
Being a newest group of emerging contaminants the artificial sweeteners are ate up
as substitute of low-calorie sugar in large quantities in a lot of food items and
drinks. Examples of these compounds include saccharin, acesulfame, sucralose and
cyclamate [78]. Some of these are heat-stable like acesulfame and are used in
baking. They are used in soft drinks having long expiry dates owing to their
Types of Water Pollutants: Conventional and Emerging
33
homeostasis, reproduction, development and behavior [109]). It is now widely
accepted that the three main kinds of EDCs are estrogenic in nature and they
operate by either mimicking or blocking the pathway of natural estrogens, androgens or thyroids (triggers instant or oblique consequences to the thyroid) [95].
Natural and engineered EDCs are released in the surrounding by human acts,
creatures and industries; primarily passing via sewage treatment before finally being
discharged into surface water, groundwater, soil and silt. Based on the aforementioned reasons, a lot of research has been carried out just on estrogenic compounds.
These compounds are found in very low concentrations (ng L
−1 or lg L
−1 ) in
wastewater. EDCs are of deep concern since their long period of exposure and
effect on humans is unidentified. Today, there are more than 85,000 chemicals that
are manufactured out of which thousands may just are EDCs. A list of typical EDCs
along with their categories is presented in Table 1. Triclosan which is a antimicrobial compound, is widely used since decades in varieties of PCPs (personal care
products) like cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, skin-care lotions and creams, deodorants, toothpastes and mouthwashes [18]. Polychlorinated biphenyl, a flame retardant, is a category of chemical compounds and are utilised in textiles, plastics, and
furnishing foams. They have majorly provided towards reducing the risks of fire
[72]. Perfluorinated compounds have extraordinary chemical properties such as
their ability to repelwater, lipids and oil. These compounds are used in water, grease
or dirt repellent platings, in sprays for leather and textiles and in non-stick cookware
as PTFE (Teflon) coating [47]. Bisphenol A (2,2-Bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane) is
weakly estrogenic and also possesses some anti-androgenic activity [96]. It is a
plasticizer manufactured in large quantities and is used in the manufacturing of
polycarbonate and epoxy resins, flame retardants and unsaturated polyester-styrene
resins as a monomer [99]. Its end product is applied in the platings of cans, dental
fillings, and additives in thermal paper, powder paints and antioxidants in plastics
[99]. Their discharge in our surrounding occurs throughout the production as well
as through leaching from the end products [35]. Being a ubiquitous type of plasticizers Phthalates are widely utilised various products like cosmetic products,
playing things, packaging of foods, and medical equipment. Di (2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate, one of the most common phthalates, presents a definite public health
concern because 100% of population of the US shows significant and detectable
levels of this EDC [42].
3.3 Artificial Sweeteners
Being a newest group of emerging contaminants the artificial sweeteners are ate up
as substitute of low-calorie sugar in large quantities in a lot of food items and
drinks. Examples of these compounds include saccharin, acesulfame, sucralose and
cyclamate [78]. Some of these are heat-stable like acesulfame and are used in
baking. They are used in soft drinks having long expiry dates owing to their
Types of Water Pollutants: Conventional and Emerging
33