Pesticide Contamination in Freshwater and Soil Environs: Impacts, Threats, and Sustainable Remediation

Pesticide contamination from agricultural activities is a major concern, and this book explores sustainable and eco-friendly remediation approaches, such as the use of beneficial microorganisms, polymeric nanocomposites, phytoremediation, and more. It provides a comprehensive overview of the detrimental actions of pesticides on the environment and human health and offers insight into advanced pesticide remediation technology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Apple Academic Press Inc.

The agricultural industry heavily relies on pesticide chemicals to address the damage caused by pests, making this new volume an essential resource. It delves into the challenges faced in pesticide remediation, exploring innovative solutions like beneficial microorganisms, polymeric nanocomposites for nanoremediation, phytoremediation, and more. The book examines pesticide contamination in various agricultural settings and presents sustainable and eco-friendly remediation approaches. It offers a comprehensive spectrum of concepts, ideas, and knowledge on the detrimental effects of pesticides on the environment and human health. By bridging the knowledge gap in this field, the book serves as a valuable resource for academicians, researchers, agriculturists, and students alike.

Introduction:
The agricultural industry plays a pivotal role in meeting the global food demand, but it also contributes to environmental degradation through the use of pesticides. Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests, weeds, and other organisms that can harm crops or livestock. While pesticides have been effective in controlling pests and improving crop yields, they have also been associated with various environmental problems, including soil contamination, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Challenges in Pesticide Remediation:
Pesticide remediation is a complex and challenging task due to the wide range of pesticides used in agriculture, the varying environmental conditions, and the long-term persistence of these chemicals in the environment. One of the primary challenges is the identification and characterization of pesticide residues in different matrices, such as soil, water, and crops. This requires specialized analytical techniques and equipment to detect and quantify pesticide levels accurately.

Another challenge is the degradation of pesticide residues in the environment, which can be slow and unpredictable. Pesticides can undergo chemical reactions, photodegradation, and biodegradation processes, which can vary depending on the environmental conditions and the specific pesticide used. This can lead to the formation of new and more toxic compounds, making the remediation process even more complex.

In addition to these challenges, pesticide remediation also requires careful consideration of the potential risks to human health and the environment. The use of pesticides can pose risks to farmers, workers, and consumers, and the improper disposal of pesticide waste can lead to further environmental contamination.

Bioremediation and Remediation Measures:
To address these challenges, various bioremediation and remediation measures have been developed. Bioremediation is the process of using living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and plants, to remove or degrade pollutants from the environment. This approach has been used successfully in the remediation of contaminated soil and water.

Polymeric nanocomposites, for example, have been used in the remediation of pesticide-contaminated soil. These materials are made up of small particles, such as nanoparticles or microbeads, that are coated with a polymer material. The polymer material provides a surface for the adsorption of pesticide residues, while the small particles provide a surface for the growth of microorganisms. This combination of adsorption and biodegradation can effectively remove pesticide residues from the soil.

Phytoremediation is another remediation measure that uses plants to remove or degrade pollutants from the environment. Plants have a natural ability to absorb and metabolize pesticides, and they can be used to remove pesticide residues from soil, water, and air. For example, plants such as sunflower and corn can be grown in contaminated soil to absorb pesticide residues and prevent their release into the environment.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Remediation Technology:
In addition to bioremediation and remediation measures, sustainable and eco-friendly remediation technology has also been developed. One such technology is phytostabilization, which involves the use of organic amendments, such as compost or manure, to stabilize and enhance the soil's ability to absorb and degrade pesticide residues. This approach not only reduces the need for pesticides but also improves soil health and fertility.

Another sustainable and eco-friendly remediation technology is bioconversion, which involves the use of microorganisms to convert pesticide residues into harmless compounds. This approach can be used to treat pesticide-contaminated water or soil, and it has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of pesticide use.

Conclusion:
Pesticide contamination from agricultural activities poses significant challenges to the environment and human health. However, by using innovative bioremediation and remediation measures, such as beneficial microorganisms, polymeric nanocomposites, phytoremediation, and sustainable and eco-friendly remediation technology, we can effectively address these challenges and promote sustainable agriculture. It is essential to continue to research and develop new technologies to improve pesticide remediation and reduce the environmental impact of pesticide use.

Weight: 716g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781774638095