Impacts of Pesticides and Herbicides on Air, Soil, and Water Ecosystems
Session
Agriculture, Food Science and Technology
Description
Pesticides and herbicides, widely used agents in modern agriculture and environmental management for controlling pests and weeds, contribute to increased food production. However, their massive and often uncontrolled use has raised serious concerns about negative impacts on natural ecosystems. This paper comprehensively analyzes their effects on three key environmental components: air, soil, and water. In terrestrial ecosystems, these chemicals alter microbial biodiversity, harm beneficial organisms such as earthworms and pollinating insects, reduce soil fertility, and persist and bioaccumulate. In aquatic ecosystems, they contaminate surface and groundwaters through runoff, leaching, and atmospheric deposition, cause acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms (fish, amphibians, invertebrates), and contribute to eutrophication. Evaporation and wind dispersal transport them over long distances, polluting the air and affecting non-target organisms. Exposure pathways and synergistic effects are discussed, and mitigation strategies such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), organic farming, and strengthening the regulatory framework are proposed. A thorough understanding is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem protection.
Keywords:
Pesticides, Herbicides, Environmental Pollution, Terrestrial Ecosystems, Aquatic Ecosystems, Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Sustainability
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.157
Recommended Citation
Luzha, Ibush; Rizani, Smajl; and Beqiraj, Jehona Luzha, "Impacts of Pesticides and Herbicides on Air, Soil, and Water Ecosystems" (2025). UBT International Conference. 2.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/AFCT/2
Impacts of Pesticides and Herbicides on Air, Soil, and Water Ecosystems
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Pesticides and herbicides, widely used agents in modern agriculture and environmental management for controlling pests and weeds, contribute to increased food production. However, their massive and often uncontrolled use has raised serious concerns about negative impacts on natural ecosystems. This paper comprehensively analyzes their effects on three key environmental components: air, soil, and water. In terrestrial ecosystems, these chemicals alter microbial biodiversity, harm beneficial organisms such as earthworms and pollinating insects, reduce soil fertility, and persist and bioaccumulate. In aquatic ecosystems, they contaminate surface and groundwaters through runoff, leaching, and atmospheric deposition, cause acute and chronic toxicity to aquatic organisms (fish, amphibians, invertebrates), and contribute to eutrophication. Evaporation and wind dispersal transport them over long distances, polluting the air and affecting non-target organisms. Exposure pathways and synergistic effects are discussed, and mitigation strategies such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), organic farming, and strengthening the regulatory framework are proposed. A thorough understanding is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem protection.