Monitoring, fate and transport, and risk assessment of organic pollutants in the environment: CREST publications during 2019–2023

Organic pollutants are potential hazards for human health and are pivotal contributors to ecological imbalances. The spectrum of chemicals in research on organic pollutants has continually evolved, which is influenced by industrial advancements, scientific breakthroughs, and regulatory frameworks. A comprehensive analysis of 30 review articles on organic pollutants published during 2019-2023 in Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology (CREST) provides good perspectives on the trajectory of organic pollutants in the environment. This synthesis delineates the recent advancements in two domains: (1) innovative monitoring technologies (sensor, extraction method, bio-indicator, and radioactive tracer); and (2) fate and transport, and risk assessment of organic pollutants. However, research on organic pollutants needs better monitoring techniques, matrix-related transformation methodologies, and realistic risk assessment tools. The development of novel strategies to monitor and manage organic pollutants, coupled with evaluations of ecosystem impacts under field conditions, is paramount.