Understanding the Links between Pesticides in Agricultural Run Offs and Its Impact on Human Health
Abstract
Pesticides are substance or mixture of substance which differ in their physical, chemical and identical properties from one to other. Hence, they are classified based on these properties. Some pesticides are also categorized into various classes depending on the needs. Presently, three most popular classifications of pesticides which are widely used is classification based on the mode of entry, pesticide function and the pest organism they kill, the chemical composition of the pesticide [1]. As pesticides are designed to be toxic to particular groups of organisms, they can have considerable adverse environmental effects on other living creatures as well as diverse media including air, soil, or water) [2]. It has been found that the modes of action for pesticides are not species-specific, concerns have been raised about environmental risks associated with their exposure through various routes (e.g., residues in food and drinking water). Although such hazards range from short-term (e.g., skin and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea) to chronic impacts (e.g., cancer, asthma, and diabetes), their risks are difficult to elucidate due to the involvement of various factors (e.g., period and level of exposure, type of pesticide (regarding toxicity and persistence), and the environmental characteristics of the affected areas) [3].
Methodology: The study was conducted in two villages, Arnetu of Patiala District and Wallipur of Ludhiana District of Punjab, India. The respondents were interviewed using structured schedule, case study, and in-depth interview. Elemental analysis of vegetable samples was carried out with the help of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Florescence (EDXRF).
Objectives: A) Assessment of pesticide use and its frequency among the farmers of the studied areas. B) To ascertain potential health risk of pesticide concentrations in runoff from field-sized agricultural watersheds and in rivers and streams and its impact on the residents of the field area(Figs. 1 and 2) C) To collect cases of effected families.
Results: Results show that 80% and 81% respondents from Arnetu and Wallipur village respectively used pesticide in agricultural fields. The rate of pesticide use was 60% of the respondents from Arnetu and 70% from Wallipur village. The respondents reported that their use of pesticides depend upon the type of crops they have cultivated. The study area observed leaching(vertical downward displacement of pesticides through the soil profile and the unsaturated zone, and finally to ground water) of fertilizers and pesticides frequently occurring due to rain or due to irrigation water. It had an in direct impact on the health of the residents. The analytical analysis of vegetables revealed that all the vegetables were contaminated by heavy metals. To name a few, Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Uranium (U) had been found to be present in higher amounts. The concentrations of these heavy metals in all the vegetables samples were higher than the (US EPA/IS/WHO/BIS) guideline values. Also, the prevalence of cancer and Hepatitis C was found in Wallipur village of Ludhiana District of Punjab, where 81% respondents supported pesticide application in their field.
