PESTICIDES IN THE ENVIRONMENT Impact, Assessment, and Remediation

Pesticides are chemical agrochemicals used to repel, kill, or prevent pests, but have negative impacts on non-target organisms and the food chain. This book provides information for researchers and academicians on pesticide pollution, physiology, and biochemistry, and the development of remediation technologies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 358 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2023
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

Pesticides play a crucial role in agriculture, serving the purpose of repelling, killing, or preventing pests that can harm crops. Based on the target they eliminate, pesticides can be categorized into three main groups: herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. The growing demand for food due to the world's expanding population has led to the widespread use of pesticides in agricultural practices. While pesticides have been instrumental in improving crop yields, it is important to acknowledge the negative impacts they have on the environment.

One significant concern is the toxicity of pesticides to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and mammals. These chemicals can persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in the food chain, and eventually reach humans through the consumption of contaminated food. The residues of pesticides can have harmful effects on the health of both humans and wildlife, leading to various adverse outcomes such as neurological disorders, reproductive problems, and cancer.

Another issue related to pesticide use is the retention of these chemicals in bio-systems. Pesticides can be absorbed by plants, soil, and water, leading to their long-term presence in the environment. This persistence can disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems, affecting the survival of beneficial organisms and promoting the growth of pests that are resistant to pesticides.

To address these concerns, researchers and academicians are actively engaged in studying pesticide pollution, its physiology and biochemistry, and the development of pesticide remediation technologies. This book serves as a valuable resource for these individuals, providing comprehensive information on the impact of pesticides on the environment, assessment methods, and remediation strategies.

By understanding the complexities of pesticide use and its environmental consequences, we can work towards developing more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. This includes the use of alternative pest management techniques, such as integrated pest management (IPM), which focuses on preventing pests through cultural, biological, and chemical methods. Additionally, efforts to reduce pesticide use and promote the adoption of environmentally friendly farming practices are crucial in mitigating the negative impacts of pesticides on the environment and human health.

In conclusion, pesticides play a significant role in agriculture, but their negative impacts on the environment and human health cannot be ignored. It is essential to approach pesticide use with caution, prioritize the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, and invest in research and remediation efforts to minimize the adverse effects of these chemicals on our ecosystems and well-being.
Pesticides in a Changing Environment: Impact, Assessment, and Remediation

Pesticides are compounds used to repel, kill, or prevent pests in agriculture. They are classified based on the target they eliminate, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. The increasing demand for food due to population growth has led to the widespread use of pesticides in crop production. However, the use of these chemical agrochemicals has raised concerns about their negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Toxicity to Non-Target Organisms: Pesticides can be toxic to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and mammals. These chemicals can persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in the food chain, and eventually reach humans through the consumption of contaminated food. The residues of pesticides can have harmful effects on the health of both humans and wildlife, leading to neurological disorders, reproductive problems, and cancer.

Retention in Bio-Systems: Pesticides can be absorbed by plants, soil, and water, leading to their long-term presence in the environment. This persistence can disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems, affecting the survival of beneficial organisms and promoting the growth of pests that are resistant to pesticides. The long-term effects of pesticide residues on the environment and human health are still not fully understood.

Harmful Effects on the Food Chain and Food Web: Pesticides can have harmful effects on the food chain and food web. They can kill off beneficial insects, which play a crucial role in pollination and pest control. This can lead to decreased crop yields and increased pest populations, requiring the use of more pesticides to control the pests. Additionally, pesticides can contaminate water sources, leading to the accumulation of pesticides in aquatic organisms and the potential risk to human health through the consumption of fish and other seafood.

Pesticide Remediation Technologies: To address the negative impacts of pesticides, researchers and academicians are actively developing pesticide remediation technologies. These technologies aim to reduce the persistence of pesticides in the environment, minimize their toxicity to non-target organisms, and promote the recovery of ecosystems. Some of these technologies include phytoremediation, bioremediation, and soil remediation.

Phytoremediation involves the use of plants to remove or degrade pesticides from the environment. For example, certain plants can absorb pesticides from contaminated soil or water, making them less harmful to non-target organisms. Bioremediation involves the use of microorganisms to degrade pesticides in the environment. Soil remediation involves the use of physical, chemical, or biological methods to remove or reduce pesticide concentrations in soil.

Conclusion: Pesticides play a crucial role in agriculture, but their negative impacts on the environment and human health cannot be ignored. It is essential to approach pesticide use with caution, prioritize the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, and invest in research and remediation efforts to minimize the adverse effects of these chemicals on our ecosystems and well-being. By understanding the complexities of pesticide use and its environmental consequences, we can work towards developing more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices that promote the health of both humans and the planet.

Dimension: 235 x 191 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323994279