Impact of Pesticides on the Ecosystem

In the present time, pesticides have very serious impacts on the environment. Soil and air pollution are caused by the use of industrial pesticides, and some of the substances in the pesticides take years, if not decades, to degrade. The welfare of animals, microorganisms, trees and human is harmed by these chemicals. However, many natural pesticides (biopesticides) are also good at controlling pests. People must prefer biopesticides over toxic pesticides as the former are easily degradable either in soil or by sunlight. The soil will turn back to its natural state as soon as the chemicals degrade. Biopesticides are also non-toxic for humans and livestock. They vanish faster from eatable products, such as fruits and vegetables, thereby enabling us to consume them quickly. In this chapter, main emphasis is given to the impact of pesticides on the ecosystem in various ways.