China's technology strategy for emerging contaminants control: A global perspective

In recent years, the control of emerging contaminants (ECs) has attracted substantial global attention and is now recognized as a crucial component in advancing the Beautiful China Initiative. However, China's current technological capacity in ECs control remains inadequate to underpin the objective of effectively controlling the environmental risks posed by ECs by 2035. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate the technology strategy for ECs control. This study systematically reviews the current status and developmental trends of technology pertaining to the ECs control in China and developed countries, and conducts a comparative analysis of China's capabilities relative to those of developed countries. Global technologies for ECs control face multifaceted challenges in monitoring, risk screening, risk assessment, green alternatives and reduction and removal, underscoring an urgent need for intensified global research. China, meanwhile, still lags behind developed nations in several critical aspects of this field. Based on the milestones of Beautiful China Initiative and in alignment with international ECs control objectives, this study delineates the overarching goals and phased milestones for China's ECs control. In addition to identifying priority substances, key industries, and focus regions, this study formulates phased milestones for ECs control technology by integrating an in-depth analysis of China's current technological challenges. Finally, this study delineates key tasks spanning basic research, applied research, technology platform construction, development of synergistic control systems, and demonstration of major projects.