Chapter 29
Future Prospects for Treating
Contaminants of Emerging Concern
in Water and Soils/Sediments
Carmen Mihaela Neculita, Lucie Coudert, Eric Rosa,
and Catherine N. Mulligan
Abstract The definition and classification of contaminants of emerging concerns
(CECs) in water and soils/sediments have evolved over time. Stricter environmental
regulations in many countries and consciousness for sustainable development have
led to adapted solutions to reduce the footprint and potential impacts of anthropogenic activities. Characterization and treatment technologies for CECs have evolved
consequently. Major actual challenges in CECs treatment include the lack of analytical methodologies for their adequate quantification in complex matrices, uncertainties on operational costs, limited creation of residual salinity, low volumes of
stable sludge, and easy and safe management with limited potential impact of treated
effluents on receiving natural waters. Other needs include the use of low toxicity,
highly biodegradable, and green additives, reduction of emissions and energy
requirements, and adequate management of the solids produced during the application of sorption and/or biotechnologies that contain CECs. Therefore, present gaps
and research needs for the CECs include mainly analytical determination, toxicity
evaluation of CECs and their degradation products, as well as the distribution, fate
and degradation of CECs in the environment.
C. M. Neculita (*) · L. Coudert
Research Institute on Mines and Environment (RIME), Université du Québec en AbitibiTémiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC, Canada
e-mail: Carmen-Mihaela.Neculita@uqat.ca
E. Rosa
Research Institute on Mines and Environment (RIME), Université du Québec en AbitibiTémiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC, Canada
Groupe de Recherche sur l’Eau Souterraine (GRES—Groundwater Research Group), UQAT,
Amos, QC, Canada
C. N. Mulligan
Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
J. Filip et al. (eds.), Advanced Nano-Bio Technologies for Water and Soil Treatment,
Applied Environmental Science and Engineering for a Sustainable Future,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29840-1_29
589
Future Prospects for Treating
Contaminants of Emerging Concern
in Water and Soils/Sediments
Carmen Mihaela Neculita, Lucie Coudert, Eric Rosa,
and Catherine N. Mulligan
Abstract The definition and classification of contaminants of emerging concerns
(CECs) in water and soils/sediments have evolved over time. Stricter environmental
regulations in many countries and consciousness for sustainable development have
led to adapted solutions to reduce the footprint and potential impacts of anthropogenic activities. Characterization and treatment technologies for CECs have evolved
consequently. Major actual challenges in CECs treatment include the lack of analytical methodologies for their adequate quantification in complex matrices, uncertainties on operational costs, limited creation of residual salinity, low volumes of
stable sludge, and easy and safe management with limited potential impact of treated
effluents on receiving natural waters. Other needs include the use of low toxicity,
highly biodegradable, and green additives, reduction of emissions and energy
requirements, and adequate management of the solids produced during the application of sorption and/or biotechnologies that contain CECs. Therefore, present gaps
and research needs for the CECs include mainly analytical determination, toxicity
evaluation of CECs and their degradation products, as well as the distribution, fate
and degradation of CECs in the environment.
C. M. Neculita (*) · L. Coudert
Research Institute on Mines and Environment (RIME), Université du Québec en AbitibiTémiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC, Canada
e-mail: Carmen-Mihaela.Neculita@uqat.ca
E. Rosa
Research Institute on Mines and Environment (RIME), Université du Québec en AbitibiTémiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC, Canada
Groupe de Recherche sur l’Eau Souterraine (GRES—Groundwater Research Group), UQAT,
Amos, QC, Canada
C. N. Mulligan
Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
J. Filip et al. (eds.), Advanced Nano-Bio Technologies for Water and Soil Treatment,
Applied Environmental Science and Engineering for a Sustainable Future,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29840-1_29
589