Environmental impact of pesticides

Environmental Impact of Pesticides

The Environmental Impact of Pesticides refers to the effects that pesticides have on non-target species and the environment. Pesticides are chemical or biological agents that are used to prevent, destroy, or control pests. Pronunciation: /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛnt(ə)l ˈɪmpakt ɒv ˈpɛstɪsaɪdz/

Etymology

The term "Environmental Impact of Pesticides" is derived from three words: "environmental", "impact", and "pesticides". "Environmental" comes from the French word "environ" meaning "around", "impact" comes from the Latin word "impingere" meaning "to push into", and "pesticides" comes from two Latin words: "pestis" meaning "plague" and "caedere" meaning "to kill".

Effects on Non-Target Species

Pesticides can have harmful effects on non-target species, including humans, animals, and plants. These effects can be direct, such as causing death or illness, or indirect, such as disrupting food chains or altering habitats. Some pesticides are also known to be endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system.

Effects on the Environment

The environmental impact of pesticides includes contamination of water sources, soil degradation, and harm to biodiversity. Pesticides can leach into groundwater or run off into surface water, leading to water pollution. They can also degrade soil quality by killing beneficial microorganisms and insects. In addition, pesticides can harm biodiversity by killing non-target species and disrupting ecosystems.

Related Terms

• Biopesticides
• Integrated Pest Management
• Pesticide Drift
• Pesticide Resistance
• Pesticide Toxicity to Bees

See Also

• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Toxicology
• Pesticide Regulation

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