Bioremediation of Agricultural Soils Polluted with Pesticides: a review

Table 3. 
Classification of the most common insecticides used in agricultural soil. 
Name 
Pesticide Class 
Chemical Structure 
Mode of Action 
DDT Organochlorine 
Interaction with sodium ion channels in neurons, caus-
ing their inactivation, which leads to spasms and even-
tual death. 
Cyfluthrin Pyrethroid 
Interference with nerve signaling by inhibition of the 
membrane sodium channel systems. 
Interference with nerve signaling by
inhibition of the membrane sodium
channel systems.
Tefluthrin
Pyrethroid
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Tefluthrin Pyrethroid 
Interruption of functioning of the nervous system, inter-
fering with sodium channels. 
Aldicarb Carbamate 
Inhibition of cholinesterase prevents the breakdown of 
acetylcholine in the synapse. It leads to respiratory fail-
ure. 
λ
-cyhalothrin Pyrethroid 
Interference with nerve signaling by inhibition of the 
membrane sodium channel systems. 
Permethrin Pyrethroid 
Interference with sodium channels disrupts the function 
of neurons and causes muscles to spasm, culminating in 
paralysis and death. 
Terbufos Organophosphate 
Inactivation of acetylcholinesterase by phosphorylation 
of the hydroxyl group of serine present at the active site 
of the enzyme. 
Chlorpyrifos Organophosphate 
Disruption of nervous systems by inactivation of acetyl-
cholinesterase. 
Methyl-parathion Organophosphate 
Disruption of nervous systems by inactivation of acetyl-
cholinesterase. 
Dimethoate Organophosphate 
Disruption of nervous systems by inactivation of acetyl-
cholinesterase. 
Carbofuran Carbamate 
Disruption of nervous systems by inactivation of acetyl-
cholinesterase. 
2.2.2. Herbicides 
Herbicides are used to control and remove undesirable plants and weeds. These com-
pounds are mainly applied in agricultural soils, before or during farming to maximize 
crop productivity. Herbicides are also used in forest management and in suburban and 
urban areas. 
Interruption of functioning of the
nervous system, interfering with
sodium channels.

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Bioengineering