Ch 20: Pesticides and Pollutants
Invisible Threats
Written and designed by volunteers: Sushant P., Tiara J., Maryem K., D. Divinia Juanita
Common Agricultural Chemicals & Their Effects
We spray to save our plants, but what's really happening? This graphic reveals the unseen journey of neonicotinoids. Applied as a spray, this powerful chemical isn't just a "contact killer."
The molecules are absorbed by the plant and the soil. From there, they are highly mobile, easily traveling through the soil and into the water table. This makes the entire plant, from root to flower, toxic to pests, but it also turns the soil and water into a silent reservoir of poison.
The worst effect? This chemical can persist for months, contaminating our soil and water resources. The very property that makes them effective is what allows them to spread, harming not just pests, but our entire ecosystem, from beneficial microbes to aquatic life.
Water and Soil Contamination
Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture to protect crops, but they do not always remain in the soil. Rainfall and irrigation often wash these chemicals into rivers, lakes, and underground water sources. As a result, the water becomes contaminated.
When pesticides reach water systems, they can seriously harm aquatic life. Fish and other organisms may die, reproduce less, or suffer from poisoning, disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems. These effects spread through the food chain and weaken biodiversity.
For humans, consuming or using pesticide-polluted water can be dangerous. Long-term exposure has been linked to chronic illnesses such as cancer and nervous system disorders. To reduce these risks, it is important to promote safer farming methods.
Alternatives: Organic Farming & Integrated Pest Management
Pesticides may protect crops but leave behind invisible threats to soil, water, and health. Organic farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) provide safer, sustainable alternatives by using natural repellents, beneficial insects and eco-friendly practices. From organic pesticides to crop rotation and compost use, these methods reduce chemical dependency while keeping yields strong. Every small shift towards organic choices helps protect farmers, consumers and the planet.
