Pesticide-Induced Decline of Soil Arthropods: Ecological Consequences and Implications for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Pesticides comprise both naturally derived and synthetically manufactured compounds extensively employed to control insects, weeds, fungi, rodents, nematodes, and other agricultural pests. Their widespread application has significantly enhanced crop productivity and food security; however, indiscriminate use has resulted in serious environmental and public health concerns. Owing to their toxic nature, pesticides can adversely affect living organisms, and the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies these compounds according to their potential health hazards. This article provides a comprehensive review of pesticides' global distribution, classification, applications, and environmental effects. It summarizes the available literature on pesticide classification based on source, chemical composition, mode of action, target organisms, and toxicity. Furthermore, the review discusses the detrimental effects of pesticide residues on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, soil and water quality, plant physiology, metabolism, defence mechanisms, genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, and human health, including their association with genetic alterations, carcinogenesis, allergic disorders, and respiratory diseases. Eco-friendly approaches for pesticide remediation, such as bacterial degradation, mycoremediation, phytoremediation, and microalgae-based bioremediation, are highlighted. These biological systems utilize diverse catabolic enzymes to degrade pesticide residues and facilitate environmental detoxification. The review also emphasizes the need to identify efficient microbial strains, novel degradative genes, and advanced biotechnological strategies to achieve sustainable pesticide waste management.