Image used for presentation. (Awakening)
Parimal Singh, Bhagalpur. Chemical pesticides used in the fields to protect crops from pests are now becoming a major threat to the environment.
By flowing with rain and irrigation water, these chemicals are reaching ponds, rivers and other water sources, due to which the crisis on the existence of aquatic organisms is deepening. This fact has been scientifically confirmed in a research conducted in the Zoology Department of Tilkamanjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU).
Research has revealed that lambda-cyhalothrin, a pesticide widely used in agriculture, is extremely lethal for freshwater fishes. This study has been done by TMBU researcher Gaurav Kumar under the direction of Senior Assistant Professor Dr. Navodita Priyadarshini. The results of the research done are very worrying.
If serious attention is not given to this in time, then the results may be very bad in the future.
Fishes collected from Bihpur and Narayanpur
Anabus testudinius (climbing perch), a fish found in local water bodies, was chosen for the study. Fish were collected from ponds located in agricultural areas of Bihpur and Narayanpur blocks of the district, while commercial grade lambda-cyhalothrin was purchased from the local market.
Even very small amounts of pesticides can cause serious harm.
Research has found that even exposure to very small amounts of pesticides can cause anemia in fish. Apart from this, it has adverse effects on other internal organs including the liver.
This chemical weakens the immune system of the fish, making them easily vulnerable to diseases. Also, serious changes were recorded in their enzyme system, which disrupts growth and life cycle.
There may be an imbalance in the entire aquatic ecosystem
According to Gaurav Kumar, the effect of pesticide becomes more severe with its dose and duration of exposure. An increase in the mortality rate of fish due to prolonged exposure was also recorded. Its effect is not limited to fish only, but can create imbalance in the entire aquatic ecosystem.
Due to the food chain being affected, there is a possibility of adverse impact on human health. Apart from this, the decline in fish numbers may also threaten the livelihood of local fishermen.
Impact on other living beings and human health also
Research has also indicated that this pesticide also harms aquatic insects, pollinating insects such as bees and beneficial organisms in the soil. Its potential side effects on human health include skin and eye irritation, breathing difficulties, dizziness and headache.
Need to stop indiscriminate use of pesticides
Assistant Professor Dr. Navodita Priyadarshini said that it is necessary to control the indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture. It is very important to make farmers aware of organic and eco-friendly options.
He said that this study is not only important from the scientific point of view, but is also a warning to the policy makers and farmers that ignoring environmental protection in the race for development can prove fatal for the future. The chemical pesticides being used to save crops in the fields of Bhagalpur are now becoming a threat to aquatic life through ponds and water sources. A research conducted at the Department of Zoology, Tilkamanjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU) has revealed that the commonly used pesticide lambda-cyhalothrin is seriously affecting the health and survival of freshwater fishes.
This study was done by researcher Gaurav Kumar under the direction of Senior Assistant Professor Dr. Navodita Priyadarshini. Anabus testudinius (climbing perch), a fish found in local water bodies, was chosen for the study. The fish were collected from ponds in agricultural areas of Bihpur and Narayanpur blocks of the district, while the pesticides were taken from the local market.
The research revealed that even after exposure to very small amounts of pesticides, anemia, damage to the liver and other internal organs and weakness of the immune system were seen in the fish. Additionally, changes in the enzyme systems of fish affected their normal development and life cycle.
The possibility of fish mortality increasing with prolonged exposure has also been documented in research. Scientists say that its effect will not be limited to fish only, but it can make the entire aquatic ecosystem unbalanced.
The impact of the food chain could also increase the risk to human health and the livelihood of local fishermen. Research has also indicated that this pesticide also harms aquatic insects, pollinating insects and beneficial organisms in the soil. As its side effects on human health, problems like irritation in skin and eyes, difficulty in breathing and dizziness can occur.
Dr. Navodita Priyadarshini, while stating the need to stop indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture, said that it is necessary to make farmers aware of organic and environment-friendly options. He said that this research is a warning to both policy makers and farmers.