Identification and Prioritization of Environmental Organic Pollutants: From an Analytical and Toxicological Perspective

Exposure to environmental organic pollutants has triggeredsignificantecological impacts and adverse health outcomes, which have been receivedsubstantial and increasing attention. The contribution of unidentifiedchemical components is considered as the most significant knowledgegap in understanding the combined effects of pollutant mixtures. Toaddress this issue, remarkable analytical breakthroughs have recentlybeen made. In this review, the basic principles on recognition ofenvironmental organic pollutants are overviewed. Complementary analyticalmethodologies (i.e., quantitative structure-activity relationshipprediction, mass spectrometric nontarget screening, and effect-directedanalysis) and experimental platforms are briefly described. The stagesof technique development and/or essential parts of the analyticalworkflow for each of the methodologies are then reviewed. Finally,plausible technique paths and applications of the future nontargetscreening methods, interdisciplinary techniques for achieving toxicantidentification, and burgeoning strategies on risk assessment of chemicalcocktails are discussed.

Automated summary

Exposure to environmental organic pollutants has resulted in significant ecological impacts and negative health outcomes, leading to increased attention. Identifying the contribution of unknown chemical components is a crucial knowledge gap in understanding the combined effects of pollutant mixtures. Recent analytical breakthroughs have addressed this issue, and various complementary analytical methodologies and experimental platforms have been developed. Future research directions include nontarget screening methods, interdisciplinary techniques for toxicant identification, and strategies for risk assessment of chemical cocktails.