WHITE PAPER Microcosmic understanding of the pathways, pollution & solution pertaining to pesticides: circular engineering for obstinate chemicals (PPSoP)

Abstract

This white paper, Microcosmic Understanding of the Pathways, Pollution & Solution Pertaining to Pesticides: Circular Engineering for Obstinate Chemicals (PPSoP), emerges as a flagship outcome of the ACCEPT initiative, a transdisciplinary effort funded under the Challenge-Based Research (CBR) program at Tecnológico de Monterrey. Drawing on the collective expertise of over 45 global experts from eight countries through nine high-impact panel sessions, the paper addresses the urgent need for sustainable pesticide management and environmental resilience through circular engineering principles.

At the heart of the document lies a compelling systems-level response to the escalating crisis of pesticide pollution. It contextualizes the problem within the broader category of the “5Ps” — Plastics, PFAS, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care Products, and Pesticides — and explores their overlapping roles in ecosystem toxicity. Recognizing that environmental contaminants do not exist in isolation, the paper underscores their synergistic effects, underscoring the need for integrated solutions.

The proposed framework is both innovative and resilient, rooted in the concept of circular engineering—an approach that seeks to redesign the lifecycle of pesticides to minimize harm and maximize recovery. It advances nature-based solutions, such as Riverbank Filtration, constructed wetlands, microremediation, and the application of biopesticides, which are particularly relevant for communities in ecologically sensitive or resource-constrained regions.

Significantly, the paper incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into predictive modeling for pollution control. These technologies enable real-time monitoring and decision-making, particularly during hydrological extremes like floods and droughts, which often exacerbate diffuse pollution. The paper’s technology-forward lens reflects an evolving understanding of environmental management that aligns with data-driven precision agriculture and smart water governance.

The study also delves into the socioeconomic and gender dimensions of pesticide exposure. It discusses bioaccumulation risks for women and children, socio-regulatory gaps in developing nations, and the uneven distribution of knowledge among farmers, which often leads to misuse. These discussions add an essential layer of social resilience and equity to the technical content. Moreover, the paper provides critical policy insights, highlighting regulatory gaps in countries like Mexico while showcasing successful international models from Japan, Australia, and the U.S. It calls for adaptive, locally relevant policies that align with global sustainability goals, particularly those outlined by the United Nations SDGs.

This white paper is not merely an academic analysis—it is a visionary action plan. It aims to inspire future research, influence policy reform, and empower communities to adopt sustainable practices. Through its deep interdisciplinarity, global collaboration, and solutions-oriented approach, it sets a high standard for research-led environmental innovation.

In conclusion, this document is both a scientific contribution and a call to reimagine the systems that govern our relationship with agriculture, health, and the environment. It serves as a blueprint for resilient futures, one in which science, policy, and community coalesce to transform challenges into enduring solutions.