Pollutants,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
3(4), P. 544 - 586
Published: Dec. 4, 2023
Contaminants
of
concern
(CoCs)
pose
significant
threats
to
Uganda’s
ecosystems
and
public
health,
particularly
in
the
face
rapid
urbanization,
industrial
expansion,
intensified
agriculture.
This
systematic
review
comprehensively
analyzed
CoC
landscape,
addressing
imminent
challenges
that
endanger
country’s
health.
CoCs,
originating
from
urban,
industrial,
agricultural
activities,
encompass
a
wide
range
substances,
including
pharmaceuticals,
personal
care
products,
pesticides,
chemicals,
heavy
metals,
radionuclides,
biotoxins,
disinfection
byproducts,
hydrocarbons,
microplastics.
identified
major
drivers
dispersion,
wastewater
improper
waste
disposal
practices.
From
an
initial
pool
887
articles
collected
reputable
databases
such
as
PubMed,
African
Journal
Online
(AJOL),
Web
Science,
Science
Direct,
Google
Scholar,
177
pertinent
studies
were
extracted.
The
literature
pointed
presence
57
pharmaceutical
residues
along
with
38
pesticide
12
across
various
environmental
matrices,
wastewater,
groundwater,
seawater,
rainwater,
surface
water,
drinking
effluents.
concentrations
displayed
levels
exceeding
established
regulations,
varying
based
on
specific
locations,
compounds,
matrices.
underscores
potential
ecological
health
consequences
associated
antibiotic
resistance,
endocrine
disruption,
carcinogenicity.
Inefficiencies
traditional
treatment
methods,
coupled
inadequate
sanitation
practices
certain
areas,
exacerbate
contamination
aquatic
environments,
intensifying
concerns.
To
address
these
challenges,
advanced
oxidation
processes
(AOPs)
emerge
promising
efficient
alternatives
for
degradation
prevention
pollution.
Notably,
no
prior
have
explored
management
mitigation
contaminants
through
AOP
application
within
aqueous
matrices
Uganda.
emphasizes
necessity
improved
data
collection,
awareness
campaigns,
offering
recommendations
implementation,
adoption
sustainable
practices,
enforcement
source
control
measures.
Furthermore,
it
highlights
significance
further
research
bridge
knowledge
gaps
devise
effective
policies
interventions.
Ultimately,
this
comprehensive
analysis
equips
readers,
policymakers,
regulators
vital
informed
decision-making,
policy
development,
protection
environment.