Pesticide contamination in groundwater: processes, risks, and mitigation strategies

Groundwater contamination by pesticides poses significant risks to this critical freshwater resource, which supports urban, rural, industrial, and agricultural needs. Pesticides, widely used to enhance agricultural productivity, often infiltrate groundwater, threatening both environmental sustainability and human health. By analyzing recent studies, this article highlights the long-term risks associated with pesticide residues and evaluates mitigation strategies, including Best Management Practices (BMPs), bioremediation, and policy interventions. The findings underscore the need for integrated approaches to groundwater protection, such as promoting organic and sustainable farming practices, implementing robust groundwater quality monitoring systems, and strengthening pesticide regulations. This review examines the intricate dynamics of pesticide pollution, encompassing its sources, transport pathways, persistence, and impacts on groundwater systems. In addition, it offers a foundation for informed policymaking, future research, and the development of strategies aimed at conserving groundwater resources and minimizing pesticide contamination.