Emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in groundwater pose potential risks to human health and ecosystems. This review summarizes the occurrence, sources, and fate of EOCs in groundwater, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, veterinary medicines, industrial compounds, and others. EOCs are detected in groundwater at nanogram to microgram per litre concentrations, with some compounds persisting for decades due to long groundwater residence times. Current data show that EOCs are more commonly found in wastewater and surface water than groundwater, but groundwater studies are increasing. EOCs enter groundwater through various sources, including wastewater effluents, septic tanks, landfills, and agricultural runoff. The fate of EOCs in groundwater is influenced by physical, chemical, and biological processes, including sorption, biodegradation, and redox conditions. Many EOCs are not yet regulated in drinking water or groundwater standards, highlighting the need for further research. Key EOCs detected in groundwater include pharmaceuticals like carbamazepine, ibuprofen, and sulfamethoxazole, veterinary medicines such as sulfamethazine, and industrial compounds like bisphenol A. The occurrence of EOCs varies by region and source, with some compounds detected at concentrations exceeding 100 ng/L. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding EOC occurrence and fate in groundwater to inform regulatory and management strategies.Emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in groundwater pose potential risks to human health and ecosystems. This review summarizes the occurrence, sources, and fate of EOCs in groundwater, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, veterinary medicines, industrial compounds, and others. EOCs are detected in groundwater at nanogram to microgram per litre concentrations, with some compounds persisting for decades due to long groundwater residence times. Current data show that EOCs are more commonly found in wastewater and surface water than groundwater, but groundwater studies are increasing. EOCs enter groundwater through various sources, including wastewater effluents, septic tanks, landfills, and agricultural runoff. The fate of EOCs in groundwater is influenced by physical, chemical, and biological processes, including sorption, biodegradation, and redox conditions. Many EOCs are not yet regulated in drinking water or groundwater standards, highlighting the need for further research. Key EOCs detected in groundwater include pharmaceuticals like carbamazepine, ibuprofen, and sulfamethoxazole, veterinary medicines such as sulfamethazine, and industrial compounds like bisphenol A. The occurrence of EOCs varies by region and source, with some compounds detected at concentrations exceeding 100 ng/L. The review emphasizes the importance of understanding EOC occurrence and fate in groundwater to inform regulatory and management strategies.