Effects of the herbicide glyphosate [n-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] on biodiversity and organisms in the soil

Glyphosate is an organophosphate herbicide manufactured by Monsanto, which eliminates annual and perennial weeds by inhibiting the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) involved in the production of aromatic amino acids in plants and microorganisms. As this herbicide is used extensively, there is a lot of research on its effect on plants, animals and microbes, and human health. Glyphosate contaminates different ecosystems by spray drift, volatilization, and erosion by wind of it adsorbed on soil particles. Soil and aquatic microbiota play a significant role in this process. This molecule is resistant to abiotic degradation. Degradation by microbes is important. The aim of this review is to provide a concise and comprehensive survey of certain relevant aspects related to its effect on the biodiversity in soil. The effect on human health is also discussed.