12.5 Agrochemicals

. Agrochemicals Chemicals which are used in agriculture for growth of plants and pest control are called agrochemicals or agrichemicals. Overuse of agrochemicals have been observed to generate residues that cause nutrient imbalance. In addition, • May kill beneficial bacteria and soil organisms. • Can cause eutrophication in water bodies. • Affect aquatic animals and their productivity. • Pesticide containing water, even in trace quantities is unfit for human consumption. • Particles (aerosols) and residues of these chemicals cause air pollution. . Mosquito Repellents DEET (n-n-diethylnetatoluamide) and allethrin used in mosquito coils may cause itching, burning, tingling sensation or numbness. .  Colony collapse syndrome in Honey bees due to pesticides/herbicides can lead to destruction of hives and lower agricultural productivity. !!Remember bees are Nature’s best pollinators!! XII Std Biology-Zoology Chapter- XII Std Biology-Zoology Chapter- Environmental Issues can radically accelerate the aging process. This phenomenon is known as Cultural or Accelerated Eutrophication. Nutrients stimulate the growth of algae, water hyacinth and can cause clogging of canals, rivers and lakes as well as, displacing native plants. It causes unsightly foam and unpleasant odours, and deprives the water of dissolved oxygen.