Utilizing retro screening for toxicological evaluation and risk prediction of emerging micropollutants

This study analyzes the presence, toxicological impacts, and environmental risk of selected micropollutants in Bengaluru and New Delhi wastewater samples with focus on aquatic ecosystem and human health risks. High-throughput screening (HTS) analysis determined diverse cytotoxic and oxidative stress profiles of selected micropollutants. Significantly, pharmaceutical ingredients like diclofenac and ciprofloxacin diminished cell viability below 80%, while chlorpyrifos and fluoxetine provoked a >3-fold increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Endocrine-disrupting activity was established through robust estrogen receptor (ER) binding affinities of triclosan and parabens, consistent with worldwide research on ubiquitous endocrine disruptors in treated effluents. Acute Daphnia magna toxicity tests identified LC₅₀ values of <500 µg/L for chlorpyrifos and propiconazole as highly toxic, whereas personal care compounds were only moderately toxic but exhibited high persistence and bioaccumulation potential. Chlorpyrifos and triclosan levels were up to 2 µg/L, consistent with earlier international monitoring reports. Genotoxic effects, especially linked to fluoxetine and carbamazepine, highlight potential long-term ecological and health issues. The research employed chemical toxicity models and retro-predictive screening methods to assess environmental behavior and risk profiles of such pollutants. Results indicate the need for innovative treatment technologies like Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) to efficiently counteract micropollutant loads. The results stress upgrading wastewater treatment facilities, establishing stringent monitoring programs, and further studying chronic toxicity and mixture interactions to safeguard public health and ecological integrity.