TOXICITY OF AQUEOUS ENVIRONMENT

TOXICITY OF AQUEOUS ENVIRONMENT

ABSTRACT

Toxicity arising from the breakdown of the active ingredient of pesticide poses a considerable threat to the health of the environment as well as living being within ecological spaces. The situation is exacerbated by the overuse or improper application of pesticides by farmers who primarily use these chemicals to control animal pests. Hence, it is essential that regulatory bodies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not only make recommendations on the types of pesticides that are safe to use but also regularly monitor the activities of farmers concerning the use of pesticides. This study, however, aims to review recent research articles to determine the extent to which pesticide toxicity affects water quality, biodiversity and human health in the US. Furthermore, we shall explore these articles to evaluate the level of adherence of pesticide users to the standard of the application set by the regulatory body (EPA). Recommendations will be made based on the findings from this review. They will reflect the need to ensure that farmers, retailers, and other users are adequately educated on the handling and application of pesticides to limit the toxicity level of metabolites within the environment. Additionally, it will be expedients that methods and practices involved in the production, transportation, application, and disposal of pesticides be adequately covered within the purview of relevant legislation.