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Applications of Green Chemistry Principles in Agriculture: A 2018 Overview

Source: Suneeta Bhandari & Virendra Kasana, Green Chemistry & Technology Letters, Vol 4(2), Sept 2018
DOI: 10.18510/gctl.2018.422

Introduction

Green chemistry focuses on designing products and processes that minimize or eliminate hazardous chemicals, thus protecting both the environment and human health. This approach is especially critical in agriculture, where synthetic pesticides and fertilizers have caused significant environmental pollution and health risks. The increasing demand for sustainable and productive agricultural methods necessitates greener alternatives that reduce harmful impacts and promote eco-friendly practices.

The Challenge in Agriculture

• Modern agricultural practices contribute substantially to environmental pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions (notably 84% of global nitrous oxide emissions).
• Synthetic pesticides cause contamination of soil and water sources, bioaccumulation in food chains, and adverse effects on animals and human health.
• Persistent agrochemicals like DDT showcase how soluble pesticides accumulate in fatty tissues, leading to biomagnification issues.

Green Chemistry: Principles and Relevance

Developed in 1998 by Paul Anastas and John Warner, the 12 principles of green chemistry serve as guidelines for safer, more efficient chemical processes. Key aspects include:

• Use of renewable, non-toxic feedstocks
• Energy-efficient and safe synthetic procedures
• Maximizing atom economy to reduce waste
• Employing solvent-free or environmentally benign recyclable solvents
• Designing products that are non-toxic and biodegradable at end-of-life

These principles are directly relevant to sustainable agriculture, advocating for the use of green catalysts and bio-based inputs to minimize chemical hazards.

Integrating Green Chemistry in Agriculture

• Emphasize renewable biomass resources to produce bio-based food products with minimal environmental footprints.
• Transition to organic farming and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
• Develop biopesticides using enzymatic biocatalysis techniques (reductases, hydrolases, oxidases) creating safer, cost-effective alternatives.
• Replace conventional solvents with green solvents for safer manufacturing and application. For example, ionic liquids ("designer solvents") with low volatility and high thermal stability are increasingly used, reducing toxicity and environmental release.
• Utilize renewable energy sources (solar, wind, biomass) to power agricultural processes for sustainable production.

Industry and Consumer Perspectives

• According to FoodThink market research, 66% of Americans are concerned about the lack of transparency in agricultural practices, particularly pesticide and antibiotic usage.
• Consumer demand is pushing the agriculture and agrichemical industries toward a "second green revolution," integrating green chemistry principles to maintain productivity while enhancing safety and eco-friendliness.

Conclusion

Green chemistry offers promising solutions to key agricultural challenges by fostering sustainable, non-toxic, and energy-efficient practices. Its principles are integral to developing agrochemicals and farming techniques that protect ecosystems, improve social outcomes, and reduce environmental impact, thus forming the cornerstone for future sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: green chemistry, sustainable agriculture, pesticides, biocatalysts, renewable resources, bio-based products, green solvents, ionic liquids, environmental impact.

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