A review of properties, occurrence, fate, and transportation mechanisms of contaminants of emerging concern in sewage sludge, biosolids, and soils: recent advances and future trends
A review of properties, occurrence, fate, and transportation mechanisms of contaminants of emerging concern in sewage sludge, biosolids, and soils: recent advances and future trends
From pharmaceuticals to rubber antioxidants, emerging contaminants are everywhere. This comprehensive review dives into over than 400 contaminants detected in sewage sludge, biosolids and soils. Discover the auhtors’ valuable insights into their complexity, environmental fate and the urgent need for smarter detection and regulation
July 31, 2025
Emerging contaminants in our environment present a growing concern as their prevalence continues to rise. This comprehensive review sheds light on 419 different types of contaminants detected in sewage sludge, biosolids, soils, and dust. Among these are commonly encountered substances such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, alongside specialized compounds like rubber antioxidants, bisphenols, and neonicotinoid insecticides. These pollutants are not only diverse but often also persistent, posing challenges for environmental management.
To address these challenges, advanced analytical techniques such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) have proven invaluable. These methods enable researchers to detect and map the presence of contaminants in complex environmental samples with greater precision. Despite these advancements, significant knowledge gaps remain, particularly concerning the interactions between various contaminants and their long-term effects on soil and water systems.
Looking forward, the authors of this review emphasize the critical need for further research into the degradation byproducts of these contaminants. They advocate for the development of even more sensitive detection methods to enhance monitoring capabilities. Additionally, smarter waste treatment strategies and targeted regulations are essential to mitigate the spread of these pollutants, ensuring that the reuse of biosolids remains both sustainable and safe.
Save the date for the EmConSoil Webinar Series on the 21st and 28th of April and the 5th and 12th of May!
A new EmConSoil webinar series is coming! Get ready for inspiring talks, cutting-edge insights, and practical solutions from leading experts in emerging contaminants, contaminated soils and environmental sustainability. Four sessions are planned at the end of April (21st and 28th) and beginning of May (5th and 12th) 2026 each time from 9:00 till 10:00 CET.
Exploratory societal cost–benefit analysis for PFAS in soil and groundwater: new study points the way toward effective policy
A new OVAM study explores the possibilities of asocietal cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) for PFAS policy in Flanders, with a focus on the management of PFAS in soil and groundwater. The report maps the challenge, describes economic, health, environmental, and social effects, and applies these to two cases (soil investigation and remediation, and soil excavation and relocation). The study reveals the societal impact of different response options, from doing nothing to full remediation, and highlights which measures deliver the greatest public value, which major knowledge gaps remain, and why cleaning up heavily contaminated sites and preventing new emissions are the most cost-effective strategies.
Microplastics and plant health: sources, distribution, toxicity, and remediation
Microplastics have become widespread across the planet as plastic production continues to rise. Most plastics are not recycled, and nearly 80% ends up in landfills or the environment, where they can break down into small fragments that spread through air, water, and soil. These microplastics come from many everyday sources: synthetic clothing fibres, car tire wear, agricultural films, packaging, sewage sludge, personal care products with microbeads, and even medical waste such as disposable masks.
Understanding chemical contamination in free-range eggs: what recent research on brominated flame retardants reveals
In several polluted regions, eggs from outdoor foraging chickens were found to contain brominated flame retardants (BFRs), chemicals such as PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) and HBCDD (hexabromocyclododecane). These chemicals are often added to plastics, textiles and electronics in order to reduce fire risk. These substances, along with their toxic degradation products, known as polybrominated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), are known to persist in soil, dust and fragments of discarded materials long after the products themselves are thrown away. Foraging chickens have been found to contain brominated flame retardants (BFRs)dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs).
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