micropollutants
Tiny water contaminants
Micropollutants are contaminants present in water or soil at extremely low concentrations—typically micrograms or nanograms per liter—yet still capable of harming ecosystems or human health.
The category includes pharmaceuticals, pesticides, hormones, and industrial chemicals that conventional water treatment often fails to remove: Micropollutants from agricultural runoff were detected in the groundwater.
The term emphasizes that pollution isn't just about quantity—trace amounts of certain substances can disrupt biological systems.
Manufactured therapeutic substances
- pesticidesChemicals destroying harmful organisms
- microplasticsSub-5mm synthetic environmental particles
- heavy metalsDense metallic environmental contaminants
- PCBsBanned synthetic toxins
dioxins · phthalates · flame retardants · personal care products · agrochemicals · glyphosate · PFAS · parabens
Substances promoting tumor growth
- neurotoxicityHarmful effects on nerves
- bioaccumulationPollutant concentration in tissues
- reproductive harmDamage to fertility or offspring
- chronic exposureRepeated long-term contact
mutagens · teratogens · risk assessment · epidemiology · drinking water · dose-response · precautionary principle
Cleaning supply for consumption
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
- adsorptionAccumulation on a surface
- activated carbonPorous charcoal for filtration
- ozonationDisinfection using O3 gas
reverse osmosis · biodegradation · bioremediation · UV treatment · membrane technology · source control
Minute remnant or pursue
- nanogramsMass in billionths
- mass spectrometryMeasures ionic weight ratios
- chromatographyTechnique separating mixtures by differential migration
- biomarkersMeasurable disease indicators
monitoring · screening · sampling · sensors · quantification · reference standards
Contaminated drainage from buildings
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- runoffExcess water drainage
- groundwaterWater in underground rock
- surface waterWater on land's exterior
sediments · eutrophication · algae blooms · biomagnification · fish kills · watershed · stormwater · leachate
pharmaceuticals
Manufactured therapeutic substances
- pesticidesChemicals destroying harmful organisms
- microplasticsSub-5mm synthetic environmental particles
- heavy metalsDense metallic environmental contaminants
PCBs · dioxins · phthalates · flame retardants · personal care products · agrochemicals · glyphosate · PFAS · parabens · UV filters
carcinogens
Substances promoting tumor growth
- neurotoxicityHarmful effects on nerves
- bioaccumulationPollutant concentration in tissues
- reproductive harmDamage to fertility or offspring
chronic exposure · mutagens · teratogens · risk assessment · epidemiology · drinking water · dose-response · precautionary principle
water treatment
Cleaning supply for consumption
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
- adsorptionAccumulation on a surface
- activated carbonPorous charcoal for filtration
ozonation · reverse osmosis · biodegradation · bioremediation · UV treatment · membrane technology · source control
trace
Minute remnant or pursue
- nanogramsMass in billionths
- mass spectrometryMeasures ionic weight ratios
- chromatographyTechnique separating mixtures by differential migration
biomarkers · monitoring · screening · sampling · sensors · quantification · reference standards
wastewater
Contaminated drainage from buildings
- effluentDischarged liquid waste
- runoffExcess water drainage
- groundwaterWater in underground rock
surface water · sediments · eutrophication · algae blooms · biomagnification · fish kills · watershed · stormwater · leachate · freshwater
micropollutantsbulk waste
Oversized discarded items
litter · oil spills · industrial waste · plastic debris · trash
micropollutantsdetoxifiers
Substances that remove toxins
water purifiers · bioremediation · natural cleansers · nutrients · essential minerals
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