Environmental pollutants of paper industry wastewater and their toxic effects on human health and ecosystem

The paper and pulp industry wastewater is one of the most prominent issues in the world. These industries use raw materials for paper manufacturing processes such as wood digestion, pulping, and bleaching due to the release of various environmental pollutants. The major organic and inorganic pollutants reported as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and neurotoxicity in juvenile channel catfish. Moreover, the direct toxicity of effluent to the reproductive system in aquatic flora and fauna is reported. In addition, several gaseous pollutants were reported for chronic, respiratory disorders, irritation to the skin, eyes, and cardiac problems along with nausea and headache. The presence of organic and inorganic pollutants in paper and pulp industry wastewater causes phytotoxicity in seed germination. The objective of this review is to understand the knowledge about pollutants of paper mill wastewater and their toxic effects in environment, which require special attention for pollution prevention of lakes, rivers, and other aquatic ecosystems. [Display omitted] •Paper industry wastewater and their harmful effects are highlighted.•Toxic pollutants in wastewater have carcinogenic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects.•Gaseous compounds were toxic to human health and environment.•Paper industry pollutants pose a threat to human health and ecosystem.