...Pesticides Name Institution Course Pesticide is any substance used to kill, repel, or control certain forms of plant or animal life that are considered to be pests. Pesticides include herbicides for destroying weeds and other unwanted vegetation, insecticides for controlling a wide variety of insects, fungicides used to prevent the growth of molds and mildew, disinfectants for preventing the spread of bacteria, and compounds used to control mice and rats. Because of the widespread use of agricultural chemicals in food production, people are exposed to low levels of pesticide residues through their diets (Agency, 1972). Scientists do not yet have a clear understanding of the health effects of these pesticide residues. Results from the Agricultural Health Study, an ongoing study of pesticide exposures in farm families, may be found at http://aghealth.nih.gov. Other evidence suggests that children are particularly sus DDT PESTICIDES DDT was one of the first chemicals in widespread use as a pesticide. Following World War II, it was promoted as a wonder-chemical, the simple solution to pest problems large and small. Today, nearly 40 years after DDT was banned in the U.S., we continue to live with its long-lasting effects:Food supplies: USDA found DDT breakdown products in 60% of heavy cream samples, 42% of kale greens, 28% of carrots and lower percentages of many other foods.Body burden: DDT breakdown products were found in the blood of 99% of the...
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...The Effect of Pesticides on Rivers and Streams Name Instructor Course Date The Effect of Pesticides on Rivers and Streams Pesticides are substances that are applied so as to destroy, repel or have some control over certain life forms that are harmful to plants and animals. Commonly, most people believe pesticides are used to refer to insecticides but this term is used to refer to a broad range of repellents. These include fungicides, herbicides, and any other substances that can be used to control pests. The usage of such chemicals has risen over the years. As a result, there has been an increase in the pesticide residue found in water bodies (Macfarlane, 2007). This paper seeks to discuss the outcomes of pesticides use on the rivers and streams. According to the studies by the United Kingdom government (2007), the amount of pesticide concentrations found in water bodies has increased significantly over the years. Moreover, the levels of these pesticide residues in the water have been found to exceed the allowable levels for drinking water. There are various ways through which pesticides can get into the water bodies. First, these chemicals can drift out of the area they are intended to be used and get to the water bodies. These chemicals can also leach or percolate through the soil and end up in the waterways. Further, surface runoff and accidental spillages can enhance the chances of pesticides finding their way to the water bodies (Sekine, 2006). These pesticides have a harmful...
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...Article Kinetics of the reduction of pesticide residues in vegetables by ultrasonic cleaning Ratikorn Buakham1, Sirichai Songsermpong1* and Chutima Eamchotchawalit2 1 Food Engineering Program, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Jatujak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research. Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand. 2 Email: sirichai.so@ku.ac.th Abstract The problem of pathogen and pesticide residues in vegetables is a big concern to both consumers and exporters. This study introduced a new method of cleaning vegetables with high frequency sound waves (ultrasonic) as a way to solve the problem. This research aimed at studying the kinetics of reduction of pesticide residues in four kinds of vegetables: coriander, kale, yard long bean and red chili by using the ultrasonic cleaner (60 kHz 140 W) with tap water compared with soaking in tap water. The cleaning was done at 20, 25 and 30oC for 0, 3, 7 and 10 minutes. The determination of the toxicity levels was done by means of cholinesterase inhibition technique. The decimal reduction time, the reaction rate constant and the activation energy were determined. It was found that ultrasonic cleaning at 25oC and soaking in tap water at 30oC was the best combination to reduce pesticide residues. The study concluded that ultrasonic cleaning was a far better method for reducing pesticide residues than soaking in tap water. Keywords:...
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...Fertilizes and pesticides have been really important to farmers all over the world and the consumption of such chemicals increase every year even though in Greece the consumption decreases. “Fertilizers are any solid, liquid or gaseous substances containing one or more plant nutrients in known amount, that is applied to the soil, directly on the plant (foliage) or added to aqueous solutions (as in fertigation) to maintain soil fertility, improve crop development, yield and/or crop quality” (International Fertilizer Industry, No Date). From the other hand “pesticides are chemicals used to prevent, destroy, or repel pests” (EPA, 5/9/2012). Fertilizes and pesticides have a big history which starts decade ago as technology improves the methods of using pesticides and fertilizers changes rapidly. The first pesticide according to Toxipedia (Katerina Lah, May 09 2011) was created by the Chinese around 1000BC and it was sulfur, the Chinese were using sulfur back then to control bacteria and fungus. Sulfur is also used nowadays from farmers in fungides to protect the plant from diseases. The next big invention again by the Chinese was arsenic, arsenic was uses as insecticide (Kill insects) and as herbicide (Weed killer). This category of pesticides is called mineral and metals, but the most important pesticides that humans use are the synthetic ones. The most important synthetic pesticides are the DDTs. DDT was firs use in huge amount in WWII to control the lice that spread typhus and...
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...The Effects of Pesticides on Environment The Effects of Pesticides on Environment Samuel Jones-A | Chemistry | February 10, 2014 Samuel Jones-A | Chemistry | February 10, 2014 Pesticides Pesticides are the only toxic substances released intentionally into our environment to kill living things. This includes substances that kill weeds (herbicides), insects (insecticides), fungus (fungicides), rodents (rodenticides), and others. The use of toxic pesticides to manage pest problems has become a common practice around the world. However most pesticides can accumulate in water systems, pollute the air, and in some cases have other dramatic environmental effects. Effects on soil Pesticide use can damage agricultural land by harming beneficial insect species, soil microorganisms, and worms which naturally limit pest populations and maintain soil health. Many of the chemicals used in pesticides are persistent soil contaminants such as petroleum hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, solvents, lead, and other heavy metals. The use of pesticides decreases the general biodiversity in the soil due its toxicity. Pesticides do not distinguish between “pests” and other living things as pesticides kill beneficial soil bacteria, earthworms, snails, frogs, birds, fish, honeybees and other valuable species including the targeted pests themselves. The chemicals from pesticides leach into the soil resulting in lower soil quality due to less organic matter in the soil, which normally...
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...Introduction to pesticides A pesticide is a substance or combination of different substance whose sole purpose is to prevent, destroy or control the pests.The term pesticide, in broad terms, can also include herbicides (inhibits the growth and reproduction of some harmful plants), insecticides( prevent growth of insects) and fungicides (inhibits the growth of mildews, yeasts, and molds). A pesticide can be chemical substance( DDT) or biological( Ampelomyces quisqualis)or antimicrobial( sterilizers , disinfectant) or any device used to kill pest. Pests includes any weeds, nematodes(roundworms), insects, fish or any mammals that can destroy crop. why pesticides are useful The pesticides are mainly considered by farmers due to their economic values: cheap and good results. The pesticides can protect a crop even if there occurs a 'sudden outburst of pests' and hence ensures increased production. If crops are protected means production of more attractive fruits and vegetables - what else a farmer need. Pesticides delays the rotting of produced food which means they allow longer shipping times and increases the shelf life of fresh produce. Harmful effects of pesticides Note:Chemical pesticides are the main reason for all the health problems in humans. Now proceed to all important point whether we should consider money or ourselves first. Prolonged exposure to pesticides in humans can lead to severe disorders in our reproductive, nervous and immune system PLUS in some...
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...Pesticides are toxic substances that are commonly used around the world to destroy pests like insects, plants, and fungi. The word "pesticide" is a general term that describes a range of substances that are used to destroy or repel certain pests. There are different types of pesticides such as herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides to name a few. Pesticides work by interfering with the biological mechanisms of the intended target organism. Certain insects can pose a threat to the growth of Lima bean plants and insecticides are important to protect the Lima beans from being eaten or damaged by insects (Blue et al. 712). Even though pesticides are used to target specific organisms, they can still have harmful effects on non-target organisms...
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...economy and contributes 18% to the GDP. Ensuring food security for more than 1.27 billions Indian populations with diminishing cultivable land resource is a herculean task. In the process of achieving the target pesticides play an important role in Indian agriculture. Pesticides, the agrochemicals, are one of the invaluable inputs in sustaining the agricultural production as substantial food production is lost due to insect pests, plant pathogens, weeds etc. However since the green revolution (1966) has been started in India, the application of these chemicals increased more than hundred times and causing tremendous loss to environment and human health. Internationally big effort is made to safe use of chemicals which are reflected in which identified the elements for the sound management of the chemicals. In India Nearly 65% of the workforce derives livelihood from agriculture and are therefore exposed to chemical pesticides (Asian Monitor Resource Centre). The rampant use of pesticides has played havoc with living beings and the environment as these chemicals persist and seep in environment for a long time because of more water solubility, tendency to adsorb to the soil (soil adsorption) and more half-life that is tendency to persistence in the environment. The term pesticide covers a wide range of compounds including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, rodenticides, molluscicides, nematicides, plant growth regulators and others. Among these, organochlorine (OC) insecticides,...
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...Dr. T. Gould ENG 111, Section 005C June 6, 2007 Pesticides and their place in modern life In “A Fable for Tomorrow”, the introduction to her book Silent Spring, a marine biologist Rachel Carson showed that indiscriminate use of pesticides is harmful and can make the earth unfit for life. Although Carson was a scientist, she chose to use fairy-tale style of language to attract the attention of a large audience to the problem. And she did it successfully. Published in 1962, Silent Spring became a cornerstone of modern environmentalism and spurred changes to the laws. First, on an example of imaginary town, Carson showed a world without pesticides, where “ all life seemed to live in harmony with its surrounding”(469). Farms were prosperous, fields were full of grain, and orchards bloomed. Streams flowed clear water and had abundance of fish. Woods and roadsides were places of beauty with variety of birds, berries, fens, wildflowers, and other vegetation.“ So it had been from the days many years ago”(Carson, 469). Then the author showed how dramatically life changed after a mysterious white powder (pesticides) was sprayed over the area. Instead of prosperity, illness and death came to the farms. Chicken, cattle, and sheep sickened and died. There were almost no offspring, “ the young survived only a few days”(470). Woods that had once throbbed with bird voices were silent now. Birds had gone. The roadsides lined with withered vegetation, and the fish died in the streams...
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...Consumer Misconception About Labels on Pesticides Elsie Leslie Kaplan University February 9, 2015 Walk into virtually any home in the United States and it is practically guaranteed that there will be a container of some form of pesticide (Raid) or herbicide (Roundup, Spectracide, Ortho) on hand. These are considered “everyday” products used by most homeowners to kill bugs and weeds. They have all been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as safe for use by the general public. They are sold by large retailers as well as smaller local vendors. Based on those two factors, it is a common – but dangerous - assumption that these chemicals must be safe for use. But – “Buyer Beware!” Household pesticides and herbicides contain hidden ingredients that are not provided on the product labels. Under the current laws, manufacturers do not have to divulge all of the ingredients that are used in the production of a pesticide or herbicide. Many of these unidentified ingredients are poisons that could be potentially hazardous to adults and children alike. It is crucial that the labels on these products contain a complete list of the ingredients, as well as any potential hazards. Consumers have a right to this information in order to be able to make informed decisions. Unfortunately, most consumers do not understand that the product they are buying is actually a pesticide formulation that contains a number of different materials, including active active and inert ingredients...
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...Economic Impact on Tea by using pesticides. Cost effectiveness/ Effect of herbicides on cost of production There are different methods of controlling the pests. They are biological, chemical and manual methods. From them using Pesticides or the chemical method is more beneficial. Using pesticides is an economical way of controlling pests. When comparing to other methods the labor needed, time required is less. So the cost that is allocated as labor wages are not comparatively low and the productivity and efficiency are high. Pesticides require low labor input and allow large areas to be treated quickly and effectively. Of all field operations In general expenditure on weed management in tea accounts for about 10-14 % of the cost. Increase Yield In tea cultivation we use the immature tea leaves as the raw material. The leaf quality of tea is directly effect for the quality of the end product. With the pest and disease attack the leaves get damaged and the surface area reduced and it degrades the quality of the end product. Pesticide facilitate to reduction of pest contamination level. So with the application of the pesticides the pest get to inactive phase or killed therefore the yield will get increased. Therefore high portion of the harvest can be efficiently used for manufacturing process Quality of food Made tea quality is largely depend upon the quality of green leaves. Leaves may get damaged by the pest attack. So to obtain a good required tea leaf the adaptation of...
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...Problem A pesticide is defined as “a chemical preparation for destroying plant, fungal, or animal pests” (Random House Dictionary). Pesticides have been used for thousands of years, but only recently has it been used in vast amounts to ‘protect’ plants in order to feed the ever-growing population of the world. in order to identify the effects of industrial amounts of pesticides on surrounding inhabitants including but not limited to humans, cattle, domestic pets, etc,. The EPA is responsible for the safety of humans and the environment by creating laws and regulations. Discussion Pesticide use is regulated by the EPA, whose sole purpose is to “...ensure that all Americans are protected from significant risks to human health and the environment where they live, learn and work...” (Environmental Protection Agency). Pesticide use has plenty of benefits such as less crop loss due to pests and/or disease, and because less crops are lost, more money is saved, even though pesticides are purchased, they are relatively cheap and do not negate the total savings. On the other hand, there is a plethora of reasons that pesticide use is heinous, and harmful to all those involved from the person whose job it is is to administer the chemicals to the cat that ate the poisoned mouse. Many different problems have been associated with pesticide use. Scientists have executed tests on various food goods, water, and environments throughout the United States and have identified multiple chemicals...
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...The environmental impact of pesticides consists of the effects of pesticides on non-target species. Over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach a destination other than their target species, because they are sprayed or spread across entire agricultural fields. Runoff can carry pesticides into aquatic environments while wind can carry them to other fields, grazing areas, human settlements and undeveloped areas, potentially affecting other species. Other problems emerge from poor production, transport and storage practices. Over time, repeated application increases pest resistance, while its effects on other species can facilitate the pest's resurgence. Each pesticide or pesticide class comes with a specific set of environmental concerns. Such undesirable effects have led many pesticides to be banned, while regulations have limited and/or reduced the use of others. Over time, pesticides have generally become less persistent and more species-specific, reducing their environmental footprint. In addition the amounts of pesticides applied per hectare have declined, in some cases by 99%. However, the global spread of pesticide use, including the use of older/obsolete pesticides that have been banned in some jurisdictions, has increased overall. Agriculture and the environment The arrival of humans in an area, to live or to conduct agriculture, necessarily has environmental impacts. These range from simple crowding out of wild plants in favor of more desirable cultivars...
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...The Pesticide Problem and Proposed Solution Risk Assessment Oscar Rodríguez Marrero SCI275 February 27, 2011 The Pesticide Problem and Proposed Solution The city council of Genericville has been presented with a proposal regarding the use of the pesticide Malathion within the city limits. This pesticide is used to control the mosquito population and is been registered for use in the United States since1956 (EPA). According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the administration of the Malathion pesticide is not harmful to humans or the environment if applied in accordance to the product safety regulations. It the responsibility of the City Council members of Genericville to make and inform a decision that is in the best interest of the residents of Genericville, the city council members, and their visitors. Due to an enlarged mosquito breeding area after a season of heavy rainfall, recent studies have been performed in our wetlands. There are projections that there could be 50 cases of WNV in Genericville this year with two fatalities. With a population of 100,000, this would mean that one out of every 2,000 people will likely become infected this year without the use of pesticides. The Malathion pesticide program could reduce the number of cases from 50 to five, with less than a 20% chance of a fatality. These numbers are too significant to ignore. There is also the concern about the summer tourism and the Generic River, and how they could be affected...
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...pounds of pesticides being applied to agricultural products each year in the United States. This is ten times more than was applied forty years ago. It is still unknown as to what type of exact effects these chemicals may have on individuals. Some farmers that have been using pesticides in their fields and developed leukemia are finding that the cause of their disease is from inhaling pesticides. These chemicals are still in use today and most of them have never been tested for the short or long-term effects that they may have on humans. Each year there are 10,000 pesticide related poisonings. On July 4th 1985, over 300 Californians became sick after eating watermelons treated with the pesticide tenik. Testing supermarket produce is a way of determining the amount of exposure the consumer receives through common produce like carrots, tomatoes and lettuce. 44% of foods that were tested in supermarkets were found to have some traces of pesticide residue on them. Of all the pesticides found, nineteen of them were a pesticide called DDT. DDT was banned in this country 12 years prior to the testing. It was believed that these chemicals might have entered this country from another country that doesn’t have pesticide restrictions as the U.S. does. Pesticides are contaminating the Earth’s water supplies. There are seventeen pesticides found in twenty-three state’s water supplies right now. Scientists at Cornell University conclude that 99% of pesticides miss the...
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