Innovative desalination strategies for the removal of emerging pollutants in aquatic systems

Emerging pollutants (EPs) are contaminants with significant chronic and acute toxicity that threaten agriculture, aquatic ecosystems, and human health. Although extensive research has been conducted on EP behavior in aquatic systems, there remains an urgent need for comprehensive toxicological assessments and the development of effective, sustainable removal strategies. Current treatment processes, including those used in desalination, are energy-intensive, resource-demanding, and costly to maintain, with most emerging technologies still untested for large-scale feasibility. This study offers a comprehensive review of advanced EP removal methods, including those relevant to desalination, while highlighting the limitations of existing technologies and identifying key areas for future research. A variety of biological, chemical, and physical treatment methods have been developed to target specific EPs. However, no single method has proven universally effective in removing all EPs, though hybrid systems often show greater efficiency. For example, combining ozonation with activated carbon has proven highly effective in removing certain EPs, particularly pharmaceuticals and other persistent chemicals. In desalination contexts, integrating advanced EP removal techniques could significantly enhance water quality. Additionally, nanotechnology shows promise, as nanomaterials have demonstrated potential to remove a wide range of pollutants from both wastewater and desalinated water, though research in this area remains limited. This review addresses the challenges posed by emerging pollutants in aquatic environments, including those related to desalination, and provides recommendations for future research. The goal is to mitigate the impact of EPs on water quality and human health while improving the effectiveness of existing treatment and desalination technologies.