PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF PESTICIDAL CONTAMINATION: CHALLENGE TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND BIODEGRADATION METHODS

Abstract

Pesticides are chemicals used to eliminate pests and increase crop yield, as well as to control parasites in livestock. Their widespread use over the past two eras has led to increased agricultural yields but has also caused environmental issues. These chemicals can reduce the quality of the environment, impact vital ecosystem functions by decreasing species diversity, altering food pathways, and affecting energy patterns and nutrient cycling. Pesticides affect living organisms in various ways. Long-term exposure can reduce growth, reproduction, and survival of fish and other aquatic populations. Amphibians, which have semi-permeable skin and lay eggs in water, are particularly susceptible to pesticides during breeding and foraging. Birds can also be affected by continuous pesticide use. Ponds with standing water may recover more slowly from pesticide exposure compared to flowing water bodies. Livestock can be exposed to pesticides through contaminated fodder or water, which can have detrimental effects. Heavy pesticide treatment of soil can reduce beneficial soil microorganisms and alter the chemical structure of plants. Pesticide poisoning causes approximately one million global deaths and chronic disorders in humans each year. The use of pesticides also harms insect pollinators directly and indirectly through the reduction of appropriate pollinator communities, leading to crop damage. To reduce environmental contamination, it is important to minimize the use of pesticides and explore alternative methods of pest control.

Keywords

• bioaccumulation
• drinking water
• non-target organisms
• pesticide exposure
• toxicant