The contamination of groundwater by agrochemical products and residues is one of the most important problems in almost all developed countries and, increasingly, in many developing countries.
▶ Fertilizer pollution occurs when fertilizers are used in greater quantities than can be absorbed by crops, or when they are removed by water or wind from the soil surface before they can be absorbed.
Excess nitrogen and phosphates can infiltrate into groundwater or be washed into watercourses. This nutrient overload causes eutrophication of lakes, reservoirs and ponds and results in an explosion of algae that suppresses other aquatic plants and animals.
Chemical fertilization is one of the pillars of the green revolution, however, there is awareness that indiscriminate use can pose a serious threat to the environment.
The inappropriate use of pesticides in agriculture has brought with it, among other things, the appearance of new pests, diseases and increased resistance, and pesticides have a high impact on animal and human health.
The synthetic products present in pesticides have a direct effect on the reproductive system of many higher organisms, acting as endocrine disruptors and inducing severe reproductive problems and modifying sexual behavior.
