What Role Do Emerging Contaminants Play in Ecological Risks?
Emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and nanomaterials, present new challenges in ecological risk assessment. These substances often have complex modes of action and may not be adequately addressed by existing regulatory frameworks. Research is ongoing to understand their behavior in the environment, potential effects on wildlife, and long-term ecological implications. Addressing emerging contaminants requires adaptive risk assessment approaches and continuous monitoring.