Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) refer to chemicals and substances that have recently been detected in the environment and have the potential to pose risks to human health and ecosystems, but are not yet regulated under existing environmental laws. These contaminants often include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine disruptors, and industrial chemicals that have gained attention due to their effects at low concentrations. The significance of CECs lies in their ability to persist in water systems and their potential to evade traditional wastewater treatment processes, making it crucial to consider them when establishing effluent standards for advanced treatment.
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