ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF CONTAMINANTS OF EMERGING CONCERN AND PESTICIDES IN TUNISIAN GROUNDWATER: OCCURRENCE, RISKS, AND SOLUTIONS

Groundwater is a crucial source of freshwater for drinking, agricultural, and industrial purposes. The presence of contaminants such as pesticides and their transformation products (TPs) and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in groundwater has gained attention due to the growing need for groundwater use. The sources of contamination include point emissions and diffuse sources such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, septic systems, and crop irrigation with reclaimed wastewater. Herbicides and their TPs are the most frequently detected compounds in aquifers. While global research concerning the presence of CECs and pesticides has increased, studies in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, including Tunisia, remain scarce. In Tunisia, there is limited knowledge regarding the presence of CECs and pesticides in groundwater, and the few studies published have mainly focused on wastewater treatment plants. The challenging analysis of CECs and pesticides at trace levels mostly relies on international scientific collaborations, resulting in few data, and scientific research on CECs is still lagging in Tunisia. Consequently, evidence on many anthropogenic organic substances in groundwater is missing to adequately inform national policy on this topic. Although Tunisian regulations do not consider this aspect, collaborative efforts within the framework of various Research and Innovation projects have been undertaken to address the gaps in knowledge and enhance water quality management in Tunisia. Assessing the potential risks associated with these chemicals through environmental risk assessments can guide regulatory decisions and inform water management strategies. To enhance groundwater quality in Tunisia, it is imperative to conduct further research aimed at developing innovative water treatment solutions specifically tailored to address the identified contaminants. This involves exploring advanced filtration systems and integrating machine learning approaches for precise quality assessment. Additionally, a concerted effort is required to seamlessly integrate these research findings into regulatory decisions and national water management strategies. Special attention should be given to promoting the secure utilization of reclaimed water for irrigation, coupled with active advocacy for stringent wastewater treatment standards. Furthermore, fostering collaborative initiatives among local authorities, research institutions, and the public is essential to raise awareness about the critical importance of groundwater quality. This comprehensive approach seeks to cultivate a deeper understanding of groundwater issues and advocate for sustainable water management practices throughout Tunisia.