Contaminants of Emerging Concern

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) are chemical and biological substances that have been detected in water environments but are not yet routinely monitored or regulated under existing water quality frameworks. They include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, microplastics, pesticides, endocrine-disrupting compounds, and industrial chemicals – many of which enter water systems through wastewater effluent, agricultural runoff, and urban stormwater. While the full extent of their environmental and human health impacts is still being investigated, CECs are increasingly recognised as a significant and growing threat to water quality and aquatic ecosystems in South Africa and globally.

Interested in contributing to the KH-CEC Project? Register as a CEC expert below:

Other Resources:

Emerging Chemicals Database for National Awareness (ECHIDNA)