Food Safety:
Agricultural pesticides have allowed contemporary agriculture to produce a significant and consistent output. However, agrarian pesticides have the potential to pollute the environment and endanger humans, animals, and fisheries. People worldwide are at risk of farm residues and toxic pesticide residues.
Crop safety, especially pesticide contamination, has recently been a significant concern for farmers and consumers. Pesticide removal techniques are being developed but are viewed with suspicion. The positive list in Japan, created in 2006, now includes more than 600 agricultural pesticides. Since agricultural commodities containing more than residual pesticides cannot be sold, developing a method for eliminating residual pesticides in crops has become challenging.
What exactly is ozone, and what role does it play in disposing of hazardous waste?
Ozone (O3) is an effective disinfectant and a natural atmosphere component.
Air or oxygen gas is converted to O3 through high-voltage electrical discharge or ultraviolet radiation.
It has excellent oxidation capability and is used for sterilization, virus inhibition, deodorization, bleaching (decolorization), breakdown of organic materials, decomposition of mycotoxins, and other purposes. Moreover, autolysis turns O3 into oxygen, which does not influence the flavor of plants or fruits.
As a result, O3 is the ideal choice for eliminating residual pesticides from production and controlling foodborne microorganisms. The O3 threshold value for continuous human exposure is 0.075 mol/L. (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2008).
Although there are many studies on wastewater purification, there are also many reports on using O3 to remove pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits.
Uses of ozone gas in agriculture:
There are many advantages to using ozone water instead of pesticides. It is environmentally safe and leaves no residue on the product. Water treatment with ozone has been shown to:
Microbiological contaminants have been successfully removed from the environment.
• ORP level increased significantly after hydrogen sulfide was removed from the equation
• Improving plant tolerance to microbiological pests • Increasing production rate
• It gives better results when compared to insecticides. • This procedure does not result in chemical contamination of the soil.
• Check for residues on the product and ensure that the soil surface is adequately sterilized.
Use of ozone for irrigation:
Ozone is a powerful antibacterial agent. Metered irrigation water delivers oxygen to the roots, freeing them from viruses, bacteria, fungi, seaweeds, spores, and other pathogens. It also promotes rapid and steady development while enhancing vigor and production.
Ozone is necessary for watering fruit trees, vineyards, and farms to prevent disease.
Pesticides and other chemical agents leave hazardous residues in the environment and may be dangerous to humans if consumed.
While it decomposes into oxygen, ozone leaves no trace. Moreover, any product irrigated with ozone water, stored and distributed in an environment with an ozone layer, retains all its properties for much longer.
When using ozonated water for irrigation, fertilizers and additives are almost halved. As a result, the crop cycle is completed quickly and with the same volume, strength, and volume as if fertilizers and additives were used.
Use of ozone for soil treatment:
Ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen that can break down organic molecules into water and carbon dioxide. • Hydrocarbons, benzene, pesticides, and MTBE are just a few of the pollutants that ozone may help remove from contaminated soil (methyl tertiary butyl ether).
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Trichloroethylene, and Aromatics
• Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenebenzene, and ethylbenzene. Some of the advantages of soil ozone treatment include:
Advantages of using ozone in agriculture:
Its use does not produce any ill-severe effects on the persons being treated, except for minor bodily injury to the area exposed to ozone due to treatment.
• Low start-up and operating expenses, as well as quick response times.
Benefits of injecting ozone gas into farmland to eliminate mold management from nematodes.
Soil oxidation of heavy metals.
Convert nitrite to nitrate.
Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and diseases must be removed.
The cultivation is primarily safe, with very little oxygen remaining.
Root rot treatment.
The rate of physiological processes is increased.
Root activation is a process that includes root activation.
Food Safety: Agricultural pesticides have allowed contemporary agriculture to produce a significant and consistent output.
Conversely, agricultural pesticides pollute the environment and endanger humans, animals, and fisheries.
persons all around the world
FAQs: Addressing Common Curiosities
1. How does agriculture contribute to ozone layer depletion?
Certain farming practices release pollutants that contribute to ozone layer depletion, such as nitrous oxide from fertilizers and pesticides.
2. Are there alternatives to hazardous pesticides in agriculture?
Sustainable alternatives like neem oil, companion planting, and biological control agents provide effective options.
3. Can ozone layer depletion directly affect crop yields?
Yes, increased UV radiation due to ozone depletion can harm crops, reducing yields and quality.
4. What role do hazardous residues play in water pollution from agriculture?
When not appropriately managed, hazardous residues can leach into water sources, polluting and threatening aquatic ecosystems.
5. How can individual farmers contribute to ozone layer protection?
Farmers can adopt sustainable practices, reduce chemical inputs, and participate in programs promoting ozone-friendly agriculture.
6. Is organic farming utterly free from hazardous residues?
While organic farming minimizes hazardous residues, ensuring proper organic waste management and soil health is essential.