Gmos: Unveiling The Hidden Pollution Threat

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, with GMO crops becoming mainstream in the past 20 years. While GMOs are necessary to sustain life and increase the carrying capacity of the human population, they have also been associated with environmental concerns, including pollution. The use of toxic herbicides like Roundup has increased 15 times since GMOs were introduced, and the active ingredient in Roundup, glyphosate, has been linked to unsafe water quality. Additionally, GMO crops have been associated with increased pesticide use, and there are concerns about their potential to cause genetic pollution and impact non-target species. While mandatory GMO labelling is in place in 64 countries, major markets like the US, Canada, Argentina, and most of continental Africa do not require it, which raises concerns about consumer awareness and the potential impact on the environment.

Increased herbicide use

The use of herbicides has increased since the introduction of GMOs. Monsanto, the world's leading producer of GMO seeds, designs seeds that are resistant to the toxic weedkiller Roundup, which they also sell. As a result, the use of toxic herbicides like Roundup has increased 15 times since GMOs were introduced, according to Greenpeace. This has led to a higher amount of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, in groundwater, surface water, soils, and precipitation.

The concentration of glyphosate in water sources is influenced by the amount of precipitation, with higher concentrations during dry seasons and lower concentrations during rainy seasons due to dilution. Glyphosate can pollute water sources through runoff, pesticide-drift, and leaching through the ground. The increased use of glyphosate has also led to the development of glyphosate-resistant weeds, requiring the use of additional herbicides.

While the volume of herbicides used in GM corn crops has decreased by nearly 226.3 million kg from 1996 to 2015, the use of glyphosate has increased as farmers adopt herbicide-tolerant crops. Herbicide-tolerant crops enable farmers to till the soil less often, increasing nutrient-rich organic matter and providing benefits such as better moisture retention, decreased erosion, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the overall environmental profile of herbicide use with GM crops has deteriorated. The increased use of glyphosate and other herbicides has contributed to the pollution of aquatic ecosystems and increased concerns about the potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure. While proponents of GM technology argue that the environmental impact of herbicide use is improved compared to conventional alternatives, critics cite the increased use of herbicides as an environmental failing.

Water pollution

The use of genetically modified crops (GMOs) has been a topic of debate due to its potential impact on water pollution. While GMOs have been commercially used for over 20 years, their effect on aquatic environments has only recently come into focus.

One of the main concerns is the increased use of herbicides and pesticides with GMO crops. The development of GMO crops that are resistant to herbicides, such as glyphosate, has led to a steady increase in the use of these chemicals. This, in turn, can lead to a higher amount of glyphosate in groundwater, surface water, and precipitation through runoff, pesticide-drift, and leaching. The toxicity of glyphosate has been shown to negatively impact organisms such as microalgae and crustaceans, causing a decrease in pH levels in the surrounding water.

The creation of "superweeds" and "superpests" is another issue that contributes to water pollution. As weeds develop resistance to herbicides, there is a spiral of increased pesticide use and pollution. These "superweeds" can also contaminate their non-GMO counterparts, leading to economic concerns and the loss of agricultural exports. The genes from GE crops can escape into populations of weeds and unaltered crops, creating more persistent and damaging weeds.

Additionally, GMO crops can have indirect effects on water pollution through their impact on aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic environments support a wide range of ecological functions and are sensitive to disturbances. The exposure of aquatic ecosystems to GMO crops and the chemicals associated with them can have detrimental effects on biodiversity and the food web.

Overall, the adoption of genetically modified crops has been correlated with a negative impact on the environment due to increased herbicide use and contamination of local ecosystems. While GMOs may be necessary to sustain life and increase the carrying capacity of the human population, reducing their environmental impact is crucial.

Genetic pollution

In agriculture, agroforestry, and animal husbandry, genetic pollution describes the gene flow between genetically engineered species and their wild relatives. The term was popularized by environmentalist Jeremy Rifkin in his 1998 book, "The Biotech Century." Rifkin used the term to highlight the potential problems caused by the unintentional process of GMOs dispersing their genes into the natural environment by breeding with wild plants or animals.

One example of genetic pollution is the introduction of the Asian Longhorned beetle in North America. The beetles are believed to have been accidentally introduced through cargo at trade ports. They have had a highly damaging impact on the environment, posing a risk to 35% of urban trees.

Another concern regarding genetic pollution is the potential loss of biodiversity. For instance, in 1999, it was reported that the larvae of the Monarch butterfly, a beloved species in North America, were killed when fed on pollen from Bt corn. This raised concerns about the potential impact of GMOs on other organisms within the same ecosystem.

Additionally, genetic pollution can lead to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. The increased use of herbicides on GMO crops, such as Roundup Ready soybeans, has resulted in higher levels of glyphosate in groundwater, surface water, soils, and precipitation. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, has been classified as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization.

Pesticide drift

Drift can occur due to the high mobility of mist components, especially for smaller droplets. Some pesticide mists are visible, appearing cloud-like, while others can be invisible and odourless. The quality of sprayer equipment can also affect drift problems. For example, contaminated sprayer tanks or tanks containing the wrong herbicide can cause drift.

Dicamba drift is a particular problem, recognised since at least 1979. Dicamba-resistant soybeans and cotton were approved for use in the US in 2017. This new technology worsened the drift problem as farmers could use Dicamba more freely. From 1998 to 2006, Environmental Health Perspectives found nearly 3,000 cases of pesticide drift; nearly half were workers on the fields treated with pesticides, and 14% of cases were children under the age of 15.

Bystander exposure describes when individuals unintentionally come into contact with airborne pesticides. Bystanders include workers in areas separate from the pesticide application area, individuals living in the surrounding areas, or those passing by fields as they are being treated. Pesticide drift can have long-term negative health impacts, including cancer, lung diseases, fertility and reproductive problems, and neurodevelopmental issues in children, when exposure levels are high enough.

Herbicide-resistant weeds

The use of herbicides is a source of concern for the public as trace amounts of these chemicals are often found on produce. To address this issue, herbicide resistance has been introduced as a major trait in genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This innovation provides farmers with a new tool to effectively manage and control weeds in crop fields. By spraying herbicide-resistant crops, farmers can eliminate weeds without harming their crops.

The most common example of herbicide-resistant crops involves the use of glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide in the world by volume. Glyphosate is often sold under the trade name Roundup, produced by Monsanto, the world's top producer of GMO seeds. The introduction of glyphosate-resistant crops has led to a significant increase in the use of this herbicide.

However, the emergence of glyphosate-resistant weeds, or "superweeds", has become a growing concern. These weeds have adapted and evolved to develop resistance to glyphosate over time. As a result, they can continue to infest fields, competing with valuable crops for nutrients. Farmers are then forced to turn to other, potentially harsher and more costly herbicides to control these superweeds, which can have further environmental implications.

The development of herbicide-resistant weeds is not solely due to the presence of GMO crops. According to Bernard Zandstra, a professor in the Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Horticulture, herbicide resistance in weeds arises from the regular and repeated application of the same herbicide. The overuse of glyphosate, rather than the use of GMO crops themselves, has contributed to the emergence of resistant weeds. By relying on a single herbicide for weed management, the likelihood of resistance increases.

To address the issue of herbicide-resistant weeds, it is recommended to reintroduce a diversity of weed and pest management practices. By utilizing a range of tools and strategies, including GMO crops as one component of a comprehensive management plan, the spread of superweeds can be limited, and the resilience of the ecosystem can be enhanced.

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