Advanced Analysis of Contaminants of Emerging Concern

Dear Colleagues,

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are receiving increasing interest from the scientific community and regulatory authorities. They are chemical substances not currently included in routine monitoring programs, but which can be candidates for future regulation depending on their (eco)toxicity, potential health effects, and occurrence in environmental and food matrices. CECs may also be substances for which the maximum levels have been laid down but which require revision. CECs include (but are not limited to) several types of chemicals, namely pharmaceuticals and personal care products, including human prescribed drugs (e.g., antibiotics, psychiatric drugs, analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.), over-the-counter medications (e.g., ibuprofen), and veterinary medicines (such as antibiotics, anti-fungals, growth promoters and hormones), to name some of the most relevant groups. The occurrence patterns of CECs are varied, with very limited information concerning their several environmental compartments and other complex matrices. Thus, considering their bioactivity, including the endocrine disrupting activity and bioaccumulation potential of several of these compounds, the development, validation and application of reliable and fit-for-purpose methods for analysis of CECs is an appropriate objective to strive for.

The aim of this Special Issue is to disseminate original research and review studies that address advances, trends, challenges and future perspectives concerning tools for CEC analysis. Real applications also deserve special attention.

Prof. Dr. Simone Morais
Guest Editor

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