Current World Environment

Glyphosate and Its Dual Impact: Enzyme Inhibition, Herbicide Resistanceand Environmental Challenges in Agricultural Contamination

Yogesha Paruvaiah¹ , Nerlige Sannabasappa Raju¹ and Kalya Tulasidas Vadiraj² ^*

¹ Department of Studies in Environmental Science, Manasagothri, University of Mysore, Mysuru, Karnataka India

² Department of Environmental Science, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka India

Corresponding author Email: vadirajkt@jssuni.edu.in

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CWE.21.1.6

Abstract

Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicides globally, acting by inhibiting the 3-enolpyruvylshikimate-5-phosphate (EPSP) synthase enzyme and disrupting aromatic amino acid synthesis in plants.This review critically evaluates glyphosate’s mechanism of action, global usage trends, environmental persistence, herbicide resistance, and potential ecological and human health impacts.Peer-reviewed literature, regulatory reports, and monitoring studies were systematically analyzed to assess glyphosate occurrence in soil and water, its primary metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), resistance in weed species, and toxicological evidence. The global consumption of Glyphosate will reach 740,000–920,000 tonnes by 2025, reflecting a substantial increase since the 1990s.Although glyphosate strongly adsorbs to soil and undergoes microbial degradation, residues persist in environmental matrices and may exceed safety thresholds. Repeated applications have contributed to herbicide-resistant weeds, increasing reliance on higher dosages. Despite low acute toxicity, potential risks to non-target organisms, soil microbiota, water quality, biodiversity, and long-term human health remain concerns. While glyphosate remains agriculturally important, its extensive use necessitates continuous monitoring, integrated weed management, and rigorous risk assessment to ensure environmental and public health protection.

Keywords

Agricultural contamination; AMPA; EPSP; Environmental impact; Glyphosate

Copy the following to cite this article:

Paruvaiah Y, Raju N. S, Vadiraj K. T. Glyphosate and its Dual Impact: Enzyme Inhibition, Herbicide Resistanceand Environmental Challenges in Agricultural Contamination. Curr World Environ 2026;21(1). DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CWE.21.1.6

Copy the following to cite this URL:

Paruvaiah Y, Raju N. S, Vadiraj K. T. Glyphosate and its Dual Impact: Enzyme Inhibition, Herbicide Resistanceand Environmental Challenges in Agricultural Contamination. Curr World Environ 2026;21(1).

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