What are emerging contaminants primarily associated with?

Emerging contaminants are primarily associated with pharmaceuticals and personal care products because these substances are increasingly detected in surface waters and can pose risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Unlike traditional pollutants that are well-studied and regulated, emerging contaminants are often defined by their recent presence in environmental contexts, their potential toxicity, and their resistance to conventional treatment methods.

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products, which include substances such as antibiotics, hormones, and lotions, can originate from a variety of sources, including residential waste, runoff from agricultural practices, and improper disposal. As wastewater treatment facilities may not effectively remove these compounds, they can accumulate in natural water bodies, leading to concerns regarding their effects on aquatic life and their potential to disrupt endocrine systems in animals and humans.

The other options focus on well-established pollutants or processes that do not capture the unique and emerging nature of contaminants arising from pharmaceuticals and personal care products.