Document Type : Review Articles
Authors
1
Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Buraidah Saudi Arabia, 51452
2
Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11754, Egypt.
3
The National Committee of Drugs, Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Cairo, 11516, Egypt.
10.21608/ejchem.2025.346696.11033
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.
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