Synthetic pesticides in soil ecosystems their sources ecological impacts and genetic engineering-based remediation strategies

Synthetic pesticides are widely applied in modern agriculture to improve crop productivity, but their long-term and excessive use has significantly compromised soil health and ecosystem sustainability. This review synthesizes evidence showing that persistent pesticide residues negatively affect soil structure, microbial diversity, enzymatic functions, and non-target soil invertebrates, leading to reduced soil fertility and ecological imbalance. The scope of this review covers major classes of synthetic pesticides—organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, and pyrethroids—and their pathways into soil systems. Key findings indicate that pesticide-induced disruption of soil microbiomes and biogeochemical processes is a primary driver of soil degradation. Recent advances in genomeengineering–based bioremediation and phytoremediation, particularly those involving genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) and plants, are critically evaluated as promising mitigation strategies. However, ecological risks, regulatory constraints, and field-scale limitations remain significant challenges. Overall, this review highlights genome engineering (GE) as a potential tool for restoring pesticide-contaminated soils and supports its strategic integration into sustainable soil management frameworks.