Call for Papers: Contaminants of Emerging Concern in African Environments

Submissions deadline: April 30, 2025

Guest Editors: Enock Dankyi, Conrad Sparks, and Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa

Special Series Details

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) are a growing global challenge with profound implications for environmental sustainability and public health. These pollutants, which include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, microplastics, pesticides, and industrial chemicals demand urgent attention due to significant gaps in understanding their sources, environmental behavior, and impacts on ecosystems and human health. While these knowledge needs are global, the African context presents unique complexities that shape research and management efforts. In contrast to the concentrated research efforts in developed regions, Africa faces distinctive challenges and opportunities in addressing CECs. Resource limitations, weak or non-existent regulatory frameworks, severe environmental pressures, and peculiar cultural practices necessitate tailored approaches to addressing the issues of CECs. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities for innovation, capacity building, and the development of context-specific solutions. This special issue seeks to highlight such efforts, showcasing solutions that are not only scientifically rigorous but also practical and relevant to the African context. By drawing attention to the unique challenges faced in Africa, this series aims to stimulate discussions and collaborations that lead to actionable outcomes in environmental decision-making and problem-solving.  Contributions that focus on developing novel detection methods, examining the occurrence and behavior of CECs, conducting ecotoxicological research, or presenting successful mitigation strategies are particularly encouraged. Additionally, studies addressing gaps in policy, regulatory frameworks, and capacity building to strengthen Africa’s ability to manage CECs effectively will be prioritized.

Author Guidelines

Papers must address one or more of IEAM's core areas by discussing how the work can inform environmental management, policy, or decision-making. All submissions, if in scope, are subject to peer review.

Please see the Instructions for Authors for more details.

Please confirm your intent to participate and submit your article to Enock Dankyi at [email protected], Conrad Sparks at [email protected], and Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa at [email protected].

Why publish your research with IEAM?

Authors who publish with IEAM will benefit from:

• No publication fees

• SETAC members receive 20% off Open Access

• Double-anonymous peer review

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Ready to Submit

Before you submit your article to ScholarOne **please send it to the guest editors Enock Dankyi at [email protected], Conrad Sparks at [email protected], and Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa at [email protected] for approval.**

Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ieam

Submit your manuscript to: Special Issue/Section: “CECs in African Environments”

For more information, contact the IEAM office at [email protected] or visit https://www.setac.org/journals.