Pesticides in the Environment: Biobed Systems as an Innovative Biotechnological Tool to Minimize Pollution

Abstract

There are several chemical compounds widely used throughout the world to control a great variety of pests, principally in agriculture. These compounds are commonly known as insecticides, herbicides, nematicides, fungicides, among others. Pesticides have been in use since the 1960s to date (pyrethroids, organophosphate, carbamates, etc.) and have contributed significantly to pest control and food production. However, while benefits of pesticide application are evident, negative environmental impacts must also be considered.In this sense, pesticides were formulated to act on target microorganisms, but only a small proportion of the pesticide is effectively applied, and subsequently, a great proportion is localized in other environment compartments. The implications of pesticides in soil and water, especially regarding their persistence, biodegradation, impact on microbial communities, and effects on soil fertility, have become a matter of environmental concern in recent years.