Pesticide Chemistry
Course Code: XCY308
UNIT 03
Pesticide Residues
Table of Contents
4. Dissemination 6. Remedies for
3. Application of 5. Causes of
1. Introduction 2. Types of Pesticides Pathways of Pesticide Residue
Agrochemicals Pesticide Residues
Pesticides Control
9. Pesticide Residues 10. Pesticide 11. Pesticide
7. Pesticide Residues
8. Pesticide residue in in the Atmosphere: Residues in the Residues in Water: [Link] residue in
in the Atmosphere:
atmosphere: action Effects on Atmosphere: Effects Entry into Water water: action
Entry
Environment on Environment Systems
13. Pesticide 15. Pesticide residue in
16. Pesticide residue in 17. Pesticide residue in 18. Decomposition
Residues in Water: 14. Pesticide residue in soil: absorption
soil: effects on soil : soil condition and delegation in soil:
Effects on Aquatic soil: entry into soil retention and
microorganisms. and fertility. roll of climate
Environment transportation.
19. Remediation
Conclusion.
strategies
Introduction to
Pesticides
•Pesticides are chemicals used to
eliminate or control pests (insects,
weeds, fungi).
•Brief history: Introduced in large-scale
agriculture post-World War II.
•Importance: Helps in protecting crops,
increasing yield, and ensuring food
security.
Insecticides: Control insects
(Example: DDT, Malathion)
Herbicides: Control weeds (Example:
Types of Glyphosate, Atrazine)
Pesticides Fungicides: Control fungal diseases
(Example: Mancozeb, Captan)
Rodenticides: Control rodents
(Example: Warfarin)
Application of Agrochemicals
Various methods: Aerial Situations where each
spraying, Ground method is used (e.g.,
spraying, Soil aerial spraying for large
treatment, Seed fields, soil treatment for
treatment. localized pest control).
Airborne drift: Wind spreads pesticides
during or after spraying.
Dissemination Surface runoff: Rain or irrigation water
carries pesticides to nearby water bodies.
Pathways of
Pesticides Leaching: Pesticides seep into
groundwater.
Food chain bioaccumulation: Pesticides
accumulate in organisms over time.
Overuse or incorrect application of
pesticides.
Causes of Persistence of certain chemicals (e.g.,
Pesticide DDT has a half-life of 2-15 years).
Residues Non-target exposure: Spraying affects
organisms other than pests.
Lack of regulatory controls or
education on safe usage.
Remedies for Pesticide Residue Control
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combination of biological, cultural, and
mechanical controls with minimal chemical usage.
Organic Farming: Use of natural pesticides (e.g., neem oil, pyrethrins).
Regulation and monitoring: Setting MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits) for
safety.
Biopesticides: Use of microorganisms and natural compounds (e.g., Bacillus
thuringiensis).
Pesticide Residues in the Atmosphere: Entry
Entry into the atmosphere through volatilization (evaporation)
and spray drift.
Pesticides can travel long distances from the point of
application (e.g., drift from aerial spraying).
Pesticide Residues in the Atmosphere: Action
Pesticides undergo photodegradation when exposed to sunlight.
Reaction with atmospheric components may lead to toxic byproducts.
Long-range transport: Some chemicals, like organochlorines, travel to
distant areas, affecting ecosystems far from the original site.
Pesticide Residues in the Atmosphere: Effects
on Environment
Health impacts: Inhalation of pesticide residues can cause
respiratory issues, allergies, and even chronic illnesses.
Ozone layer depletion: Certain chemicals (e.g., methyl
bromide) contribute to ozone depletion.
Pesticides deposited in polar regions due to long-range
transport.
Pesticide Residues in Water: Entry into Water
Systems
Surface runoff: Pesticides washed off from fields during rain or
irrigation.
Leaching: Pesticides seep into groundwater.
Accidental spills: Improper storage or accidents can lead to
contamination.
Pesticide Residues in Water: Action
Pesticides in water may dissolve, break down, or bind with
sediments.
Water flow can spread pesticides over long distances.
Chemical transformation can occur in water (hydrolysis,
photolysis).
Pesticide Residues in Water:
Effects on Aquatic Environment
•Toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms.
•Bioaccumulation: Pesticides build up in
aquatic organisms, affecting the food chain. This Photo by Unkno wn Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
•Reduced biodiversity in contaminated
ecosystems (fish kills, loss of species).
Pesticide Residues in Soil: Entry into Soil
Direct absorption during spraying or soil treatment.
Pesticides bind to soil particles and can remain in the soil for
years.
Pesticide Residues in Soil: Absorption,
Retention, and Transport
Pesticides are absorbed by soil based on their chemical
properties (e.g., polarity, solubility).
Retention is influenced by organic matter content in the soil.
Pesticides can be transported within the soil through leaching or
erosion.
Pesticide Residues in Soil: Effects on
Microorganisms
Pesticides affect beneficial microorganisms (e.g., nitrogen-fixing
bacteria).
Disruption of soil microbial diversity and activity.
Reduced decomposition and nutrient cycling processes.
Pesticide Residues in Soil: Soil Condition and
Fertility
Decrease in soil fertility due to long-term pesticide application.
Pesticides alter soil structure, pH, and nutrient content.
Residual effects can harm subsequent crop growth.
Decomposition and Degradation in Soil: Role of
Climate
Climatic factors such as temperature, moisture, and sunlight
influence the rate of pesticide breakdown.
Microbial degradation: Soil microbes play a key role in breaking
down pesticides.
Remediation Strategies
Bioremediation: Use of bacteria and fungi to degrade pesticides
in soil.
Phytoremediation: Use of plants to absorb or degrade soil
contaminants.
Chemical remediation: Use of amendments to neutralize or
break down pesticide residues.
Conclusion
•Recap the sources of pesticide residues and their
effects on the atmosphere, water, and soil.
•Emphasize the need for better pesticide
management, sustainable alternatives, and stricter
regulations.
•End with a call to action for the reduction of
pesticide use and promoting environmental health.
