Hotspots of soil pollution: possible glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid risks on terrestrial ecosystems and human health

Ferreira, Nuno G.C., Alves da Silva, Karlo, Tereza Bittencourt Guimarães, Ana and Mara Ribas de Oliveira, Cíntia 2023. Hotspots of soil pollution: possible glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid risks on terrestrial ecosystems and human health. Environment International 179 , 108135. 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108135

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Abstract

The study presents a literature review of glyphosate (GLY) occurrence and its breakdown product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in soils worldwide, but with a specific focus on South America. In addition, an ecological risk approach based on the ecotoxicological endpoints for key soil biota (e.g., collembolans, and earthworms) assessed the impact of GLY and AMPA on these organisms. A generic probabilistic model for human health risk was also calculated for the different world regions. For what reports the risk for edaphic species and the level of pollution under the worst-case scenario, the South American continent was identified as the region of most concern. Nonetheless, other areas may also be in danger, but no risk could be calculated due to the lack of data. Since tropical countries are the top food exporters worldwide, the results obtained in this study must be carefully examined for their implications on a global scale. Some of the factors behind the high levels of these two chemicals in soils are debated (e.g., permissive protection policies, the extensive use of genetically modified crops), and some possible guidelines are presented that include, for example, further environmental characterisation and management of pesticide residues. The present review integrates data that can be used as a base by policymakers and decision-makers to develop and implement environmental policies.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Biosciences
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0160-4120
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	15 August 2023
Date of Acceptance:	7 August 2023
Last Modified:	09 Oct 2023 20:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/161825

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