A Review on Occurrence of Pesticides in Environment and Current Technologies for Their Remediation and Management

Abstract

Pesticides are the chemicals used to prevent plant diseases, weeds, pests and to enhance the quality of the food products. The uniqueness of their chemical structure, and/or their interactions with the environment characterize the nature of pesticides. In most scenarios, the end users such as farmers and consumers, who know the serious effects of pesticides cannot translate this awareness into their practice. The mobility, bioavailability of pesticides in soils (atmosphere, water bodies) is based upon their absorption and desorption mechanisms from soil particles. Pesticides have harmful effects in the soil ecosystem, and mankind (which affects biological molecules, tissues, and organs resulting in acute or chronic disorders). It affects humans of all ages including prenatal. These pollutants, when released into the water bodies affects the aquatic systems. The water molecules in the river are affected by the accumulation of these toxic contaminants with its alkaline pH and heavy metals which could adversely affect the health of flora and fauna. This article discusses the scientific literature on various remediation technologies available for the safer use of pesticides. The limitations and benefits of chemically polluted soil using microorganisms and other biological methods have been discussed. However, future development measures are still needed to ensure full implementation of these methods to save the environment.

Keywords: Bioavailability; Biodegradation; Electro-kinetic remediation; Pesticides; Phytoremediation.

Fig. 1

Different stages of pesticide cycle that reaches the ground and surface water