Journal of Energy Research and Environmental Technology (JERET) Print ISSN: 2394-1561; Online ISSN: 2394-157X; Volume 2, Number 1; January-March, 2015; pp. 54-62 © Krishi Sanskriti Publications http://www.krishisanskriti.org/jeret.html Environmental Pollution due to Pesticide Application in Cardamom Hills of Idukki, District, Kerala, India Susan Jacob1, Resmi.G2 and Paul K Mathew3 1Research Scholar, Karpagam University, Coimbatore 2NSS College of Engineering Palakkad 3MBC College of Engineering & Technology, Peermade E-mail:
[email protected],
[email protected],
[email protected] Abstract: Intensive agricultural practices often include the use of degradation or metabolism once released into the pesticides to enhance crop yields. However, the improvement in yield environment. The objective of present study is, is associated with the occurrence and persistence of pesticide residues in soil and water. Kerala, being the largest production centers of cardamom in India and cardamom the highest pesticide Identify contaminated areas and sources of contamination. consuming crop, the risk of environmental contamination especially Investigate residual levels of pesticide in the environment, in soil and water is high. The objective of the study was to determine soil and water. the present contamination levels in water and soil samples of Locating probable places of highly contaminated area Cardamom plantations in Idukki district. Sampling points were using GIS applications. selected on purposive sampling technique from the entire plantation The fate of pesticides in soil and water environments is area in the district. 100 water samples and 38 soil samples were influenced by the physio-chemical properties of the pesticide, collected from the cardamom plantations or from adjacent water the properties of the soil and water systems (presence of clay sources and analysed for pesticide residues.