Environmental and health impacts of selected artificial sweeteners: Effectiveness of treatment methods and innovative approaches for mitigation
The global consumption of artificial sweeteners has raised concerns about their environmental and health impacts. These substances have entered ecosystems due to improper discharge of waste and industrial waters as well as their inadequate removal in conventional treatment processes. The present stu...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Results in Chemistry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221171562500339X |
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| Summary: | The global consumption of artificial sweeteners has raised concerns about their environmental and health impacts. These substances have entered ecosystems due to improper discharge of waste and industrial waters as well as their inadequate removal in conventional treatment processes. The present study aims at carrying out an updated review on the sources and impacts of a selected number of artificial sweeteners (Aspartame, Saccharine, and Sucralose) and to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment methods in their elimination from the water environment. Additionally, new approaches will be proposed, in which the diverse chemical and physical properties of artificial sweeteners will be considered, to mitigate their adverse effects to ensure a healthy and sustainable environment. Literature reviews indicate that aspartame disrupts soil ecosystems and poses risks to aquatic life through its degradation products, saccharin exhibits genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on plants and resists degradation, while sucralose impacts soil bacterial metabolism and accumulates in aquatic environments, altering microbial communities., In this context, the study proposes hybrid treatment methods tailored to each sweetener and water type, including UV/H₂O₂ processes, activated sludge, granular activated carbon adsorption, reverse osmosis, and Electro-Fenton processes. These methods emphasize sustainability by using renewable energy sources, optimizing operational parameters, and implementing effective waste management strategies. Future research is proposed to focus on long-term ecological impacts, optimizing energy efficiency, comprehensive environmental monitoring, and detailed toxicological studies on degradation products to ensure effective and sustainable management of artificial sweeteners. |
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| ISSN: | 2211-7156 |