Potted garden pea grown in presence of pre-emergence herbicides: Impacts on soil enzymes and human health

Pre-emergence herbicide residues in pea cultivation can pose significant health risks to nontarget organisms, including humans. To assess the impact of these residues on soil and human health, garden peas were grown in an agricultural soil (MAT) and potting mix (POM) treated with dimethenamid-P, metazachlor, and pyroxasulfone. Dehydrogenase activity in MAT soil was not significantly affected by these herbicides. However, in POM, herbicide application resulted in significantly higher dehydrogenase levels, likely due to the higher organic matter content promoting microbial activity and moisture retention. In contrast, phosphatase activity levels remained relatively consistent across untreated and treated samples of both MAT and POM. Herbicide residues in pea pods, shoots and roots were measured to evaluate potential human health hazards. The detected residue levels were at or above the European Union’s maximum residue levels. The calculated non-cancer acute health hazard index of (aHI <100 %) and hazard quotient of (HQ <1) suggested that consuming peas grown in potting medium treated with these herbicides at recommended doses does not pose a health hazard to humans. This study is the first to provide insights into the environmental impact of pre-emergence herbicide residues in soil, aiding the development of safer and more sustainable vegetable farming practices. • Pea plants were grown in presence of dimethenamid-P, metazachlor, and pyroxasulfone. • Activities of soil dehydrogenase and phosphatases varied with soil characteristics. • Only dimethenamid-P and metazachlor residues were predominant in potted pea plants. • Herbicide residues were higher in peas grown in potting mix than in agricultural soils. • Peas grown in soils treated with herbicides at recommended doses are safe for humans.