Widely used as a herbicide, particularly in aquatic environments to control submerged weeds and invasive plant species. It works by rapidly disrupting plant cell membranes upon exposure, leading to quick desiccation and death of green plant tissues. Commonly applied in the form of paraquat-based formulations, it is effective for pre-harvest desiccation of crops like potatoes and cotton, aiding in uniform drying and easier harvesting. Due to its fast action and soil inactivation upon contact, it is favored in no-till farming systems to manage weeds without harming subsequent crops. Also used in research settings as a redox agent in electrochemical studies and as a generator of reactive oxygen species in biological assays. Strict regulations govern its use due to high toxicity to humans and animals.