Assessing the Role of Emerging Contaminants in the River Varuna: Implications for Water Quality Ecosystems and Public Health

Abstract

Emerging contaminants are a class of chemicals and biological agents that are not yet subject to routine environmental monitoring or regulatory standards but are increasingly detected in environmental media and are of concern due to their potential ecological and human health impacts. Emerging contaminants (ECs) including pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PPCPs), pesticides, and industrial chemicals are increasingly detected in freshwater ecosystems worldwide. While extensive research has documented ECs in the River Ganga and its major tributaries, there is a knowledge gap regarding their occurrence and ecological significance in smaller urban tributaries such as the Varuna River in Varanasi, India. This study synthesizes existing water quality data, regional emerging contaminant research, and urban pollution dynamics to evaluate how ECs may impact the Varuna’s water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and human health. The findings highlight chronic pollution from untreated sewage and insufficient wastewater infrastructure, which are likely facilitating the transport and persistence of ECs in this urban waterway. The paper concludes with recommendations for targeted monitoring, risk assessment, and management strategies.