Most forms of economic activities that directly involve the use of the land has some negative side effects either directly or indirectly to the environment. Mining and agriculture are two such economic activities that cause negative effects to the environment in Guyana. Mining waste and agrochemical waste in Guyana are compared on the bases of water pollution, damage to biodiversity, aesthetics and damage to economy.
Despite their different sources, both mining waste and agrochemical waste pollute the water in Guyana. Agricultural activity has always been an important economic driver in Guyana, most significantly along the low coastal plain, along the coastline bordering the ocean and in between large rivers and waterways. It can be said then, that agricultural activity is very closely intertwined with the water environment. Pesticides, weedicides and fertilizers have been used in all agricultural activity primarily for better yields and profits, but this has also had negative effects of contributing to pollution of the water ways. This occurs through a combination of leaking, surface run off and disposal directly into the waterways (Abdullah and Bacchus). Mining over the decade grew larger and larger in size and scale, it is now one of the most important economic driving force in the economy of Guyana. Even though it has grown in size over the decade, the technology used in gold extraction has not changed. Two of the most recognizable mining pollutants directly responsible