Risk assessment of airborne agricultural pesticide exposure in humans in rural China

Effects of pesticide application on soil bacteria community structure in a cabbage-based agroecosystem in Ghana

Modern sustainable agriculture often relies on pesticide application, which may unintentionally affect non-target soil microorganisms. This study assessed the effects of commonly used pesticides in cabbage cultivation on bacteria diversity, composition, and abundance in soils from some farming communities in Bosome Freho District, Ghana. The pesticides included a neonicotinoid (acetamiprid), microbial agents (Pieris rapae granulosis virus+ Bacillus thuringiensis), avermectin (emamectin benzoate), and pyrrole (chlorfenapyr). Soil samples were collected from non-contaminated (NCS), abandoned pesticide-contaminated (AB-PCS) and actively pesticide-contaminated (AC-PCS) soils. Bacteria communities were analysed in the soil at phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species levels using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The soils were also analyzed for physicochemical properties. Our results showed a decrease in bacteria diversity and abundance in pesticide-contaminated soils in the following order: NCS > AB-PCS > AC-PCS. Sorensen's coefficient of similarity indicated major shifts in bacteria taxa composition due to pesticide contamination. In NCS, Pseudomonas veronii, Bacillus sp., and Prevotella albensis were the most abundant species, while Rhodoplanes elegans and Nostocoida limicola dominated AB-PCS. In AC-PCS, R. elegans, Gemmata obscuriglobus, Nitrospira calida, and N. limicola were the most abundant species. The abundance of Bacillus sp., P. veronii, and P. albensis decreased in the contaminated soils, while the abundance of N. calida, Cystobacter sp., Pedomicrobium australicum and Byssovorax cruenta was higher in the contaminated soils. Key genera involved in nutrient cycling such as Clostridium, Bacillus, Prevotella, Pseudomonas, and Arthrobacter, declined in abundance in pesticide exposed soils. In contrast, an increase in abundance of various taxa such as Pedomicrobium, Hyphomicrobiaceae, Pirellulaceae, Comamonadaceae, Nitrospirales, Nitrospira, Anaerolineae, Planctomycetes, Acidobacteriaí and Nitrospirae was observed in the contaminated soils. These bacteria may possess bioremediation potential that could be exploited for environmental remediation. Soil physicochemical properties and nutrient levels varied across the three soil treatments, with potential implications for bacteria community structure.

Pesticide contamination in indoor home dust: A pilot study of non-occupational exposure in Argentina

Agricultural use of pesticides continues to rise globally. Argentina ranks fifth in use. While pesticides help yields, they also pose risks to human health and the environment. Indoor dust can present high pesticide concentrations, raising concerns about chronic exposure in non-farming households. Studies of pesticides in indoor dust are few worldwide. This pioneering study aimed to identify and/or quantify for the first time pesticide occurrence in indoor dust from urban residences in the Pampas Region, southeast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Pesticide residues in indoor dust from 48 non-agricultural homes in the Pampas plain region were analysed. Study participants completed questionnaires on household demographics, pet ownership, pesticide use, gardening, and habits like leaving shoes outside. We detected 41 out of 49 targeted pesticides, including metabolites and banned compounds. Seven of the 49 tested are dual-use compounds (i.e. pesticide & biocide or veterinary applications). The synergist piperonyl butoxide, the dual-use imidacloprid, and "agricultural only" pesticides carbaryl, glyphosate, and atrazine were detected in all dust samples. Glyphosate, 2,4-D, atrazine, imidacloprid, carbaryl, tetramethrin, and piperonyl butoxide had maximum concentrations exceeding 1, 000 μg kg-1. Complex mixtures of up to 32 residues were found per sample. Questionnaire responses revealed that most participants brought shoes inside (60 %), almost all had pets (93 %), and 51 % had used flea repellents (mainly imidacloprid and fipronil). Approximately 48 % reported pesticide use in the past year, and 19 % reported exposure via their (non-farmer) jobs, e.g., via disinfection and weeding. These findings highlight the prevalence of pesticide residues in residential settings and the need for further research on long-term exposure and risks. Improved tracking of agricultural, household, and mixed-use pesticide applications is crucial, particularly in regions heavily reliant on agriculture.

Assessing pesticides in the atmosphere: A global study on pollution, human health effects, monitoring network and regulatory performance

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture, but their impact on the environment and human health is a major concern. While much attention has been given to their presence in soil, water, and food, there have been few studies on airborne pesticide pollution on a global scale. This study aimed to assess the extent of atmospheric pesticide pollution in countries worldwide and identify regional differences using a scoring approach. In addition to analyzing the health risks associated with pesticide pollution, we also examined agricultural practices and current air quality standards for pesticides in these countries. The pollution scores varied significantly among the countries, particularly in Europe. Asian and Oceanic countries generally had higher scores compared to those in the Americas, suggesting a relatively higher level of air pollution caused by pesticides in these regions. It is worth noting that the current pollution levels, as assessed theoretically, pose minimal health risks to humans. However, studies in the literature have shown that excessive exposure to pesticides present in the atmosphere has been associated with various health problems, such as cancer, neuropsychiatric disorders, and other chronic diseases. Interestingly, European countries had the highest overall pesticide application intensities, but this did not necessarily correspond to higher atmospheric pesticide pollution scores. Only a few countries have established air quality standards specifically for pesticides. Furthermore, pollution scores across states in the USA were investigated and the global sampling sites were mapped. The findings revealed that the scores varied widely in the USA and the current sampling sites were limited or unevenly distributed in some countries, particularly the Nordic countries. These findings can help global relevant environmental agencies to set up comprehensive monitoring networks. Overall, the present research highlights the need to create a pesticide monitoring system and increase efforts to enhance pesticide regulation, ensure consistency in standards, and promote international cooperation.