The 10th International Conference on Water Resource and Environment (WRE 2024)

Abstract: Legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and emerging chemicals of concern pose grave threats to ecological systems and human health. These chemicals are highly persistent, extremely toxic, and can travel long distances. This presentation unveils comprehensive findings and robust recommendations derived from three UNEP/GEF projects, aiming to tackle managing these chemicals. The 1st project "Regionally Based Assessment of Persistent Toxic Substances (PTS)" (2000-2003) [1a, b] meticulously examined the sources, concentrations, and impacts of PTS (e.g., DDT), and some highly persistent heavy metals, i.e., Hg, and Pb. Moreover, it identified transboundary transport routes and root causes of the problems, evaluated regional capacity to manage these substances, and offered prioritized intervention strategies. This project complemented the Stockholm Convention on POPs (2003). The 2nd project "Emerging Chemicals Management Issues in Developing Countries and Countries with Economies in Transition" (2010-2012) [2] concentrated on identifying and assessing emerging chemicals of concern (e.g., PBDE), evaluating potential risks to ecosystems and human health, and providing recommendations to enhance monitoring, assessment, and management strategies. The 3rd project "Plastics and the Circular Economy" (2017-2018) [3] highlighted the critical issues related to the global overuse and misuse of plastics and their associated toxic chemicals, i.e., bisphenol A and phthalates. In addition, the Household Dirty Dozen (e.g., coal tar dyes, triclosan) commonly used as ingredients in a wide range of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) and cosmetics also raised public health concerns [4]. These projects emphasized the paramount significance of sustainable management practices in safeguarding the environment and human well-being. The experiences gained from these projects underscore the urgent need for collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among stakeholders.

Keywords: Persistent toxic substances, transboundary movement, ecological and human health, microplastics, emerging chemicals of concern, sustainable management

References
[1a] Wong MH, et al (2002). Regionally Based Assessment (RBA) of Persistent Toxic Substances (PTS). Regional Report of Central and North-East Asia. UNEP/GEF.
[1b] Whylie P, et al, Wong MH (2003). RBA of PTS. Global Report. UNEP/GEF.
[2] Bouwman H, Wong MH, Barra R (2012). GEF Guidance on Emerging Chemicals Management Issues in Developing Countries and Countries with Economy in Transition. UNEP/GEF.
[3] Barra OR, et al (2018). Plastics and the Circular Economy – A STAP Document. UNEP/GEF.
[4] Rajput VD, et al, Wong MH (2024). The Household Dirty Dozen. CleanUp 2024, 15-19 Sept 2024, Adelaide,

Biography: Professor Wong is an advisor at the Education University of Hong Kong, Chang Jiang Chair Professor of the Ministry of Education, China, and a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. He served as the Editor-in-Chief of ‘Environmental Geochemistry and Health’ (Springer Nature) from 2002 to 2023. In addition to his PhD (Durham), he was awarded two higher Doctoral Degrees: DSc (Durham) and DSc (Strathclyde) in 1992 and 2004 based on publication. Under Environmental Science, he is ranked (career-long ranking) 6^th for 3 years and 8^th for 1 year globally (World’s Top 2% Scientists, Stanford University, 2020-2023), and 1^st in China (Research.com's Best Researchers in Various Disciplines, 2023).

He was awarded the Croucher Senior Fellow (Croucher Foundation of Hong Kong) in 1997; the Royal Society Visiting Fellow (Royal Society, UK) in 2000; the Milton Gordon Award for Excellence in Phytoremediation (International Phytotechnology Society) in 2016; Fellow of the Society of Environmental Geochemistry and Health (SEGH) in 2018; Silver Medal (Food Waste for Safe and Quality Fish Production) of the International Inventions (Geneva) in 2019.