ABSTRACT
Due to the increasing population and the need for food and fiber, the use of agrochemicals has become more prevalent. These chemicals are used in agriculture to increase a crop’s production. Exposure to agrochemicals, which are mainly used against pests, can have serious health effects. While less than 1% is considered as effective against pests, many of the synthetic substances remain in soil and contaminate wider habitats. The excessive use of these substances has caused various problems in the environment. The microbes that reside in soil are the most important component of the soil’s nutrient cycling. The use of agrochemicals can severely affect these organisms. The effects of chemicals on soil biology include reduction in population, microbial proliferation and the development of beneficial microbes. The organisms that live in soil can also transform organic compounds into beneficial compounds. The use of agrochemicals in the soil kills beneficial microbes that are involved in the soil’s enzymatic components. Soil pollution caused by the residual use of chemicals such as pesticides is a major issue for agricultural producers. This can be solved through the use of bioremediation, which involves the use of microorganisms. These microbes can also be used to reduce or eliminate the pollutants in the soil. Soil microorganisms have intrinsic characteristics that allow rapid degradation and genetic adaptation to various chemicals in the environment such as fertilizers. Biodegradation techniques are used to remove organic and toxic chemicals from soil. The removal efficiency of these processes is relative to that particular pollutant and soil physical conditions. This chapter aims to provide a detailed analysis of the bioremediation properties of soils contaminated with commercial pesticides. It also reviews the various aspects of their toxicity and classification.
