Pesticides in the environment: Biobeds system as innovative biotechnological tool to minimize the pollution

TORTELLA, G.R; BRISEÑO, G.; RODRIGUEZ, C; CUOZZO S.A.; RUBILAR, O

Strategies for Bioremediation of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants

Taylor And Francis Group

Año: 2017; p. 1 - 37

Several chemicals compounds are widely used in the world to the control of a great variety of pest, principally in the agriculture. These compounds are commonly known as insecticides, herbicides, nematicides, fungicides among others. The pesticides were introduced from 1960 to date (pyrethroids, organophosphate, carbamates, etc.) and have contributed significantly in the food production. However, although the benefit of their application is evident, its negative impact on the environment it is also something that must be taken into consideration. In this sense, the pesticides were formulated to act on target microorganisms, but only a few proportion of the pesticide applied if effective and a great proportion is localized in other environment compartments. The fate of pesticides in soil and water, as well as its persistence, biodegradation, impact on microbial communities, effects on fertility soils have been a matter of environmental concern during the last years. An important condition in the pesticide movement in or from soil to groundwater or surface water is it structure. This particular characteristic of each pesticide will be decisive on their physical and chemical properties and therefore inherent biodegradability. On the other hand, other important factors must be also taken in consideration, as pesticide concentration, soil characteristics (physical and chemical properties), among others. In Figure 1 is shown the principal movement of pesticide in the environment after applications.