title: The challenge of micropollutants in aquatic systems.
abstract: The increasing worldwide contamination of freshwater systems with thousands of industrial and natural chemical compounds is one of the key environmental problems facing humanity. Although most of these compounds are present at low concentrations, many of them raise considerable toxicological concerns, particularly when present as components of complex mixtures. Here we review three scientific challenges in addressing water-quality problems caused by such micropollutants. First, tools to assess the impact of these pollutants on aquatic life and human health must be further developed and refined. Second, cost-effective and appropriate remediation and water-treatment technologies must be explored and implemented. Third, usage and disposal strategies, coupled with the search for environmentally more benign products and processes, should aim to minimize introduction of critical pollutants into the aquatic environment.
authors.affiliation: Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dubendorf, Switzerland. rene.schwarzenbach@env.ethz.ch
authors.forename: René P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Schwarzenbach
authors.forename: Beate I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Escher
authors.forename: Kathrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fenner
authors.forename: Thomas B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Hofstetter
authors.forename: C Annette
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Urs
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: von Gunten
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wehrli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D045424:Complex Mixtures / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D003906:Developing Countries; D017753:Ecosystem; D004777:Environment; D005618:Fresh Water; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment; D018675:Toxicity Tests; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods; D014881:Water Supply
chemical_list: D045424:Complex Mixtures; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical