Exploring eco-engineering methods to mitigate glyphosate residue risks in agricultural systems

Ongoing scientific and regulatory evaluations scrutinize glyphosate’s health and environmental risks, despite its economic benefits in weed control, requiring evidence-based approaches to address persistent controversy. This systematic review synthesizes 42 studies (2000–2024) from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, to evaluate glyphosate residue risks and mitigation strategies in agricultural systems. Glyphosate, a cost-effective herbicide, shows global residue contamination, with concentrations ranging from 0.003 mg kg-1 in Italian vegetables to 5.06 mg kg-1 in Thai soybeans. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) achieved detection limits as low as 0.002 mg kg-1, yet adjuvant synergism (e.g., polyethoxylated tallow amine-induced DNA damage in A549 cells) was understudied. Eco-engineering methods, including adsorption (92% removal via graphene oxide) and microbial degradation (85.8% efficiency by Pseudomonas aeruginosa), showed promise but lacked scalability. Critical regulatory gaps persist, such as inconsistent monitoring of persistent metabolites like AMPA and inadequate assessment of chronic low-dose exposure risks. This study advances a holistic framework integrating precise detection, adjuvant toxicity evaluation, and scalable bio-remediation, emphasizing harmonized global standards and reduced glyphosate reliance. By bridging agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship, it offers novel insights into reconciling weed management efficacy with planetary health imperatives.