A sustainable solution: mitigating aquatic herbicide contamination through natural product interventions

Abstract

Herbicides are widely employed in agriculture to manage weeds and enhance crop yields, but their extensive use raises significant environmental and human health concerns. Exposure to herbicides can occur through multiple pathways, including ingesting contaminated food and water, inhaling airborne particles, and dermal contact during application. This review delves into the intricate dynamics of herbicide pollution in agriculture, examining their classification, modes of exposure, and impacts on plants, animals, and humans. This study also deals with the mechanisms by which herbicides contribute to adverse health outcomes, such as cellular damage and cancer. To address these risks, this review looks at more sustainable ways to manage weeds, focusing on practical and natural alternatives to chemical herbicides. These include traditional farming techniques, hands-on mechanical methods, and biological agents. Integrated weed management (IWM) is a holistic approach that combines these techniques to reduce herbicide resistance and environmental degradation. The natural alternative method is the use of bioherbicides, derived from live microorganisms or their metabolic byproducts known to stand out as eco-friendly and targeted solutions for weed control. This review emphasizes the need for sustainable practices to balance effective weed management and the preservation of environmental and human health. This paves the path for innovative and sustainable solutions to aquatic herbicide pollution through natural product-based interventions. This study emphasizes the importance of integrated techniques for achieving sustainable agriculture while minimizing environmental and health risks.