Tracing the footprints of contaminants in water environment through the application of stable isotopic systematics

Abstract

Contamination of freshwater resources is a major challenge in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals proposed for the future wellbeing of the world. Climate change and anthropogenic inputs have severely impacted both the quantity and quality of accessible water resources. This review delves into the application of isotope techniques in identifying the pollution sources, elucidating the degradation pathways and assessing transport dynamics of widespread as well as emerging contaminants such as microplastics, pesticides, fugitive gases, greenhouse emissions and persistent organic compounds.