| Introduction |
In Kazakhstan, the issue of obsolete pesticides represents a significant environmental threat, impacting all components of the ecosystem, including soil, water, vegetation, fauna, and human health. |
| Objective / Goal |
In Kazakhstan, the issue of obsolete pesticides represents a
significant environmental threat, impacting all components of the
ecosystem, including soil, water, vegetation, fauna, and human health. The
urgency of addressing pesticide contamination stems from the high
toxicity, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulative properties of
these compounds. Obsolete pesticides are capable of translocating
through the food chain—beginning with soil and water, then moving
through plants and animals, and ultimately affecting humans. During this
process, biomagnification occurs, wherein the concentration of toxic
substances increases at each successive trophic level. This
phenomenon poses a particular risk to human health, as humans occupy the
final and most vulnerable position in the food chain.
|
| Impact |
Results of Bioremediation of Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) Pesticides - DDT and its metabolites: Glutamicibacter soli NAM8 achieved a degradation efficiency of 96.7–100%, outperforming Falsochrobactrum sp. NM3, which left residual toxic levels of 2,4-DDD and 4,4-DDD.
- Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers (α-, β-, δ-): Glutamicibacter soli NAM8 demonstrated effective degradation up to 94.2%. The γ-isomer was efficiently degraded by both individual microbial strains and a microbial consortium, with removal efficiencies of 97.2–100%.
- Endosulfans: A microbial consortium achieved a degradation rate of 96.4%, surpassing the effectiveness of individual strains.
- Endrins: Falsochrobactrum sp. NM3 showed the highest degradation efficiency at 98.3%; however, the microbial consortium, with a slightly lower efficiency of 96.8%, proved more versatile for complex, mixed-contaminant soils.
Results of Phytoremediation of POP Pesticides - Xanthium strumarium was effective for remediating soils contaminated with DDT and its metabolites.
- Lolium multiflorum showed high potential for reclaiming soils affected by HCH isomers and cyclodiene pesticides.
- Salix caprea was suitable for remediation of HCH-contaminated soils.
- Paulownia tomentosa demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of soils contaminated with HCH isomers and cyclodienes.
- Rosa canina effectively remediated soils containing DDT and its degradation products.
Environmental Impact - High efficiency in the degradation of POPs pesticides.
- Restoration of microbial biodiversity and stimulation of beneficial soil microflora.
- Reduction in soil phytotoxicity, leading to improved conditions for plant growth.
- Decrease in pollutant concentrations to environmentally acceptable levels, enabling the return of previously contaminated land to agricultural use.
Economic Impact - Bio- and phytoremediation methods are more cost-effective than conventional physical and chemical remediation techniques.
- Reduced need for secondary waste treatment due to in-situ degradation of pollutants.
- Opportunities to valorize biomass from energy crops used in phytoremediation into value-added products (e.g., biochar, pulp, paper, fibers, bioethanol), aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Social Impact - Reduction of public health risks through decreased environmental concentrations of POPs pesticides.
- Enhanced agricultural productivity on remediated lands through decreased soil toxicity.
- Development of accessible biotechnological remediation solutions suitable for large-scale implementation in real-world conditions.
|
