Chemistry of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Distribution, Environmental Impact and Mitigation Approaches | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Chemistry | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 23 January 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Review Articles | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejchem.2025.346696.11033 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Wael A. El-Sayed* 1; Mohammed S. M. Alad1; Eman Nossier2, 3; Alaa M. Younis1 | ||
| 1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Saudi Arabia | ||
| 2Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11754, Egypt. | ||
| 3The National Committee of Drugs, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Cairo, 11516, Egypt. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) pose significant risks to the environment and public health due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Key pollutants, including organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), threaten ecosystems and human health worldwide. This review examines the global distribution of POPs, their environmental impacts, and recent advancements in mitigation strategies. Case studies from various regions highlight efforts to reduce POP levels and rehabilitate contaminated sites using bioremediation, soil treatment, and innovative techniques. Research from Asian countries reveals alarming levels of POPs in air, soil, and agricultural products, posing serious health risks. However, there are significant gaps in understanding the health effects of POPs in these environments, necessitating immediate attention. The review evaluates methodologies for ecological risk assessment and discusses the limitations of current models, particularly the uncertainties in extrapolating toxicological data. Mitigation strategies, such as applying Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP), are discussed alongside legislative recommendations based on international frameworks, including the Stockholm Convention. Effective management of POPs requires continuous innovation in remediation technologies, stronger regulatory frameworks, and international collaboration to mitigate their harmful effects on global health and the environment. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Health effects; toxicity; pesticides; risk assessment; pollution; climate change; agricultural pollutants. | ||
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