In order to address the pervasive presence of emerging contaminants (ECs) such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and microplastics, occurrence data from diverse environments are required. Region-specific data will determine the efficacy of existing wastewater management practices and potential mitigation strategies. The project aims to understand the sources, contributing population, consumption pattern, and contribution of climatic conditions towards the occurrence of ECs in Indian and Australian waters. A systematic study will be conducted to determine the potential sources, contribution of industries, and agricultural runoff in the pollution load. The development of a robust analytical method for ECs is essential for quantification in diverse matrices. An analytical protocol based on LC-QTOF will be developed for pharmaceutical and personal care products. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy will be used for the microplastics analysis. Prominent pharmaceuticals that could act as markers of pollution will be identified. The fate of ECs in the existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in India and Australia will be compared. The presence of ECs in the sludge generated in the WWTPs will be quantified, and the release of ECs during sludge management practices will be estimated. The project will reveal the loading of ECs as per the current water management and come up with recommendations for mitigation measures.
