The population is increasing at a tremendous rate and to feed them from the
exploited land would be of great concern. Presently, the major concern is the use of
hybrid seed, genetically modified crops, chemical pesticides, and fertilizer. The
purpose of this chapter is mainly to focus on the soil contamination problem caused by
pesticides and present a review of the existing methods for remediation of
contaminated soils. First, a brief discussion of the pesticides along with its
classification, and the impact caused by the pesticides on the environment and human
health are examined. Then, the current practices and evolving techniques for soil
remediation, which are mainly used for the eradication of pesticides are discussed,
along with their advantages and disadvantages. Among the different existing methods,
bioremediation is the most promising technique. Bioremediation of contaminated soil
using pesticides by the use of microorganisms is eco-friendly, most effective and
economical method of detoxification.
Keywords: Biopesticides, Bioairsparging, Biopiles, Biostimulation,
Bioaugmentation, Composting, Carbamates, DDT, DDE, Fungicides, Herbicides,
Landfarming, Microbial Remediation, Organochlorines, Organophosphates,
Pyrethrins, Pyrethroids, Plant Incorporated Protectants, Phytoremediation, Soil
Fertility.
