A comprehensive review on environmental and human health impacts of chemical pesticide usage

Wei Zhou; Mengmeng Li; Varenyam Achal

doi:10.1016/j.emcon.2024.100410

Emerging Contaminants (Mar 2025)

A comprehensive review on environmental and human health impacts of chemical pesticide usage

Wei Zhou,
Mengmeng Li,
Varenyam Achal

Affiliations

Wei Zhou: Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, 515063, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
Mengmeng Li: Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
Varenyam Achal: Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, 515063, China; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials and Technologies for Energy Conversion, Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, 515063, China; Corresponding author. Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Shantou, 515063, China.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emcon.2024.100410
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11, no. 1
p. 100410

Abstract

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This review critically examines the multifaceted impacts of chemical pesticides on environmental ecosystems and human health, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable pest management practices. The widespread use of pesticides, such as organochlorine compounds (e.g., DDT, endrin) known for their persistence and bioaccumulation, poses significant risks to biodiversity, water quality, and food safety. By accumulating in the food chain, these substances threaten higher trophic levels and amplify the potential for adverse health outcomes, including acute poisoning, cancer, and neurological disorders. Specific examples such as glyphosate and atrazine illustrate the pervasive nature of pesticide contamination in various environments. Key findings include the association of pesticide exposure with increased risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Parkinson's disease, and the development of antibiotic resistance in microbial communities. The review discusses potential remediation methods, including physicochemical techniques like photodegradation and advanced oxidation processes, as well as bioremediation strategies involving microbial degradation. Photodegradation rates are influenced by environmental factors such as sunlight intensity, soil properties, and organic matter content. Bioremediation using specific microbial consortia has shown promise in degrading persistent pesticides, enhancing soil recovery. Emphasizing the importance of integrated pest management (IPM), enhanced regulatory frameworks, and user education, this review advocates for a strategic shift towards practices that minimize environmental harm and safeguard human health. Implementing these measures can significantly contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture by reducing pesticide reliance and promoting ecological balance.

Published in Emerging Contaminants

ISSN: 2405-6650 (Print)
Publisher: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
Country of publisher: China
LCC subjects: Technology: Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering: Environmental pollution
Website: https://www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/emerging-contaminants/

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