Artificial Sweeteners as Emerging Environmental Pollutants
Global Research Trends, Environmental Behavior, and Future Perspectives
Setyo Budi Kurniawan (National Research and Innovation Agency)
Nor Sakinah Mohd Said (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)
Faiza Salsabilla (Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember)
Bieby Voijant Tangahu (Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember)
M.F. Imron (Universitas Airlangga, TU Delft - Sanitary Engineering)
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Abstract
Artificial sweeteners have emerged as contaminants of increasing concern due to their widespread consumption, environmental persistence, and resistance to conventional wastewater treatment. This review provides an integrated assessment of global research trends and the environmental behavior of major artificial sweeteners, including sucralose, acesulfame potassium, saccharin, and aspartame. Bibliometric analysis of SCOPUS-indexed publications reveals rapid growth in research since 2010, with key themes focusing on environmental occurrence, treatment technologies, and ecotoxicological effects. These compounds are frequently detected in wastewater effluents, surface waters, groundwater, and even drinking water systems, driven by their high solubility and limited biodegradability. Their persistence raises concerns regarding ecological impacts, including potential alterations to microbial communities and aquatic organisms. In addition, emerging evidence suggests potential human health implications, including gut microbiota disruption, metabolic effects, and risks associated with chronic low-dose exposure, although these remain poorly understood. The performance of existing treatment technologies, including biological processes, adsorption, advanced oxidation, and membrane filtration, is critically evaluated, highlighting limitations in complete removal and in the formation of transformation products. Future research should prioritize sustainable treatment strategies, comprehensive risk assessment, and improved monitoring frameworks to better address both environmental and human health risks associated with artificial sweeteners.
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