Impact of pesticides on the environment.

Abstract

Abstract The boon of pesticides is enhanced economic returns with increases in production of food, feed and fibre, and management of vector-borne diseases, while their bane is serious health implications for humans and adverse effects on the environment. This chapter discusses the direct impact on human beings; impact through food commodities; impact on environment (including surface and groundwater, soil health, atmosphere/air, and nontarget plants); impact on animals (including birds, aquatic, marine organisms and aquifers, wildlife, amphibians, endangered species and honeybees); adverse effects on physical and biological environment; storage; and other environment impacts (development of insect resistance and resurgence) of pesticides.