Identification and quantification of chemicals of emerging concern (persistent organic and inorganic pollutants) in some selected marine environments of cape town, South Africa

Abstract

The increasing evidence of chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) in water bodies is causing major concern around the world because of their toxicological effects upon humans and aquatic organisms. The release of wastewater to the aquatic environment is most likely to introduce some trace levels of organic contaminants, some of which may be toxic, carcinogenic, or endocrine disruptors, as well as, persistent in the environment. These compounds are often persistent but not regularly monitored because they are mostly still excluded from environmental legislation. Their fate and persistence in the environment are not well understood.