Van der Merwe, PetraBooysen, AmogelangForbes, Patricia B.C.2025-11-242025Van der Merwe, P., Booysen, A. & Forbes, P. 2025, 'Perspectives on aquatic emerging pollutant monitoring in sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on disinfection byproducts', Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, doi : 10.1093/inteam/vjaf149.1551-3777 (print)1551-3793 (online)10.1093/inteam/vjaf149http://hdl.handle.net/2263/105463This article is part of the special series “Contaminants of Emerging Concern in African Environments.” The series highlights the unique challenges and advances the current state of research with respect to the sustainable management of contaminants of emerging concern in Africa.The provision of clean water is of key importance in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where there is a rapid rate of urbanization. Aside from socio-economic factors, aspects such as a changing climate and polluted water sources create additional challenges towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: to "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all". In order to allow for sustainable development and improved quality of life, water safety must be prioritized, which requires the effective monitoring of a range of potential water contaminants, including emerging chemical pollutants (ECPs), which pose risks to both human health and the environment. Here we provide perspectives on the current monitoring status of ECPs in the SSA region, with a focus on disinfection byproducts. Regulatory frameworks and reported monitoring practices are discussed in the context of suitability and accessibility for SSA. It was found that in recent years efforts to increase monitoring of ECPs has grown in some countries, although the majority of the countries in the region do not demonstrate these efforts.en© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. All rights reserved.Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)Emerging chemical pollutant (ECP)Disinfection byproductSustainable developmentWater and sanitationWater monitoringPostprint Article