Emerging Topics in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management pp 37-49
Editors: Dr.R. S. Khoiyangbam
Dr. Ch. Raghumani Singh (2025)
ISBN: 978-93-94174-59-7
Chapter 5
Effect of Pesticides on Soil Algae
L. Bidyalaxmi Devi*
Department of Environmental Science, Ng. Mani College, Khurai Chairenthong, Imphal East-795010, Manipur, India
Ngangom Nganbi Devi
Department of Zoology, Western College, Konthoujam-795113, Manipur, India
Chongtham Memtombi Chanu
Department of Environmental Science, Pole Star College, Hiyanglam-Wabagai-795103, Manipur, India
Abstract
Algae are interesting groups of organisms because of their very primitive nature. It represents one of the most important natural resources on earth. It occurs generally in soil and grows in abundance in diverse forms. Soil algae add to the availability of crop nutrients and ensure better crop nutrient management. Anthropogenic activities such as tillage, pesticides, and fertilizers lower soil algae diversity due to changes in the soil's physicochemical environment. Pesticides enter the environment through direct or indirect routes. Pesticides and fertilizers were applied to increase the yield of agricultural products and protect them from pests, but carelessness and overuse led to soil and water pollution. Treatment of pesticides heavily in the soil can cause a decline in beneficial populations of soil micro-organisms. Indiscriminate use of pesticides in crop fields causes great damage to algae by destroying the natural habitats for algal growth. Pesticides cause damage to photosynthesis as their mode of action acts as photosynthesis inhibitors or as photosynthetic energy deviators. It also induces cellular disorder, inhibits growth and nitrogenize activities of cyanobacteria. Future studies on possible adverse effects of pesticides on potentially beneficial algae should be concentrated.
Keywords
Soil algae, Cyanobacteria, importance, Pesticides, Toxicity
Cite this Chapter: Bidyalaxmi Devi, L., Ngangom Nganbi Devi and Chongtham Memtombi Chanu. 2025. Effect of Pesticides on Soil Algae. In: R. S. Khoiyangbam and Ch. Raghumani Singh (Eds.), Emerging Topics in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 50-57. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-59-7_5
