Pesticides used in farming/agriculture leach into the ground and end up in our lakes, rivers, and oceans 

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Although pesticides have many benefits including controlling harmful pests and growing crops more efficiently, they can also be very damaging to the environment. They can negatively affect the environment by causing soil, water, and air pollution. Pesticides can also cause less biodiversity in soils and can harm animals and plants that the pesticides were not intended for. One of the biggest issues with pesticides is them ending up in our lakes, rivers, and oceans. Leaching is one of the ways that pesticides can end up in our waters.  

What is Leaching?

Leaching happens when the soil and groundwater absorb pesticides that are being used in farming and agriculture. Pesticides in the groundwater can then end up in lakes, rivers, and oceans. They can also contaminate wells. Leaching can be caused by rain or irrigation if the pesticide is soluble in water. Too much pesticides being applied and pesticides spilling can also cause leaching. Some of the effects that pesticides can cause on humans are headaches, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. They can also cause irritation to your eyes or skin if you come in contact with them. Some of the ways to prevent pesticide leaching are following label directions, storing pesticides safely, and using them properly. 

 

Pesticides and First Nations

Many First Nations do not approve of pesticides, especially glyphosate. A group of First Nation Elders are trying to ban glyphosate because. They say that pesticides are killing plants, animals, the environment, and most importantly, their way of life. They also believe that Mother Earth already provides us with everything that we need, and we do not have to be using chemicals like pesticides to grow plants. (Chiblow, 2022) 

Sources

Syafrudin, M., Kristanti, R. A., Yuniarto, A., Hadibarata, T., Rhee, J., Al-Onazi, W. A., Algarni, T. S., Almarri, A. H., & Al-Mohaimeed, A. M. (2021, January 8). Pesticides in drinking water-a review. International journal of environmental research and public health. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7826868/#:~:text=Soluble%20pesticides%20were%20carried%20away,clean%20water%20for%20potable%20water 

Pérez-Lucas, G., Vela, N., Aatik, A. E., & Navarro, S. (2018, November 29). Environmental risk of groundwater pollution by pesticide leaching through the soil profile. IntechOpen. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/64602 

Fishel, F. (2003). Pesticides and the environment. University of Missouri Extension. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7520 

Chiblow, S. B. (2022, September 13). Opinion | a group of First Nations elders is trying to ban glyphosate. they say it’s killing their way of life | CBC documentaries. CBCnews. Retrieved February 27, 2023, from https://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/the-passionate-eye/a-group-of-first-nations-elders-is-trying-to-ban-glyphosate-they-say-it-s-killing-their-way-of-life-1.6497383