Abstract— Paddy (Oryza sativa) rice cultivation in India extensively employs chemical insecticides to manage insect pests such as stem borers, leaf folders, and planthoppers. While effective in controlling pests, several commonly used active ingredients, including fipronil, chlorantraniliprole, lambda-cyhalothrin, and thiamethoxam, exhibit persistence in soil ecosystems and pose toxicity risks. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the types of insecticides used, their persistence and toxicological profiles, effects on soil microbial communities critical for fertility, and potential risks to human health. Furthermore, it evaluates microbial bioremediation as a promising strategy to mitigate pesticide residues and restore soil health. In view of the above, sustainable pesticide management practices integrated with bioremediation approaches are needed to balance crop protection and ecosystem health.
Raju Umrao Gadpayle (Thu,) studied this question.