Bioremediation: A sustainable tool to prevent pesticide pollution

Abstract

The revolution in manufacturing of different types of agrochemical has no doubt enhanced yield in our agricultural products and protect crops from diseases and pests. Pesticides at present play an important role in enhancing the yield and provide an economical benefit to our farmers. Environmental contamination is a potential threat to human health.With the advent of agrochemicals there has been enhancement in crop productivity and improved resistance against diseases. To combat economic losses in agriculture sector pesticides plays crucial role in sustaining agro-productivity. Due to indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides together amplified industrialization and urbanization; there has been a parallel increase in environmental pollution. To counterfeit environmental contamination, we need to implement bioremediation. Bioremediation is most effective technology wherein we utilize microbes as a potential contrivance for degradation of environmental pollutants. Bioremediation is eco-friendly, inexpensive, competent and proficient technology for pesticide detoxification. Bioremediation encompasses numerous in-situ initiatives for instance bioventing, biosparging, bioaugmentation and ex-situ contrivances namely land farming, biopiling, bioreactors etc. Detoxification of pesticides via phytoremediation methods like phytodegradation (Phytotransformation), phytovolatilization, rhizoremediation etc., has also been employed. The central theme of this chapter will be summarizing limitations and challenges linked with some widely employed bioremediation techniques and consequently evaluating the impending relevance of these remedial tools to eliminate pesticides from the environment.