Adverse Effects of Pesticides on Environment and Non-target organisms
Subject Areas : Environmental impact assessment
Bahareh Rafiei
1
,
Hamed Kioumarsi
2
1 -
2 - بخش تحقیقات علوم دامی، مرکز تحقیقات و آموزش کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی استان گیلان، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، رشت، ایران
Keywords: Pesticide, Environment, Food chain, Non-target organisms, Bioaccumulation,
Abstract :
The use of pesticides plays a crucial role in modern agriculture, and their proper application leads to an increase in the quality and quantity of agricultural products. They are also highly important in controlling disease vectors. However, the widespread use of chemical toxins has raised growing concerns regarding their negative effects. The consumption of pesticides can result in contamination of water and soil, accumulation of these compounds in the soil can disrupt microbial communities and reduce beneficial organisms, and their infiltration into groundwater and surface water can pose risks to aquatic ecosystems. Runoff from agricultural fields can transport toxins into surface waters, affecting aquatic organisms and water quality, and consequently, these toxins can bioaccumulate and enter the food chain. Air pollution is also one of the consequences of pesticide use. The volatilization of pesticides and environmental factors facilitate the possibility of contact with non-target organisms and their transfer to areas far from the spraying site. Residues of pesticides can cause physiological disorders, genetic abnormalities, and various diseases in non-target organisms, leading to disturbances in ecological balance and a reduction in biodiversity. This article provides a comprehensive review of the adverse consequences of chemical pesticide use on different components of ecosystems and discusses novel strategies to address these challenges and promote pesticide management practices. This review paper aims to deepen the understanding of the effects and hazards associated with pesticide use and hopes to take a step towards reducing environmental pollution and achieving sustainable agriculture.