Impacts of Agrochemicals on Soil and Water Quality in the Catchments of Rivers Niger and Kaduna, North Central Nigeria

Impacts of Agrochemicals on Soil and Water Quality in the Catchments of Rivers Niger and Kaduna, North Central Nigeria

Abstract: The unsustainable use of pesticides and fertilisers by farmers has resulted in soil and surface water contamination, causing socioeconomic challenges for communities in the study area. However, comprehensive data on this issue is lacking. This study aims to investigate the patterns of pesticide and fertiliser use, determine the spatial concentrations of physicochemical properties in sediment and water samples, assess the levels of plant minerals, and evaluate the presence of organochlorine pesticide residues in water and soil. Additionally, the study aims to explore the socioeconomic challenges and evaluate the effectiveness of environmental laws and regulations pertaining to agrochemical use in the area.

To achieve these objectives, an extensive field survey was conducted using participatory appraisal techniques such as questionnaires, scheduled interviews, and village-level group discussions. Seasonal water and sediment samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical properties, plant mineral concentrations, and pesticide residue levels. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, spatial analysis, and non-parametric analysis.

The survey results revealed that a significant percentage of the study population (97.5%) used synthetic fertilizers in their farming practices. Moreover, the application of fertilizers and pesticides per hectare indicated a high usage of agrochemicals across different zones. The study identified various physicochemical properties in the water samples, including pH range (5.2 to 7.4), salinity (28.0 to 76.0 PSU), temperature (22.1 to 28.1 °C), EC (10.0 to 43.0 μs/cm), DO (5.3 to 8.6 ppm), TDS (6.7 to 23.60 ppm), turbidity (12 to 470 NTU), COD (13.80 to 45.06 ppm), BOD (7.05 to 18.15 ppm), TSS (15.8 to 54.0 ppm), Mn (0.08 to 2.86 ppm), TH (3.55 to 10.52 ppm), chloride (16.08 to 106.5 ppm), sulphate (0.447 to 22.68 ppm), and potassium (0.13 to 62.75 ppm). The concentrations of plant minerals varied across the study zones in both surface water and sediment samples during rainy and dry seasons. Nitrate (NO3-) concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 3.147 ppm, nitrite (NO2-) concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 1.16 ppm, and phosphate (PO4-) concentrations ranged from 0.228 to 5.771 ppm. Furthermore, the study detected and quantified various organochlorine pesticide compounds, including endosulfan, alpha endosulfan, endosulfan ether, delta endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, mehoxychlor, alpha lindane, delta lindane, endrin ketone, dieldrin, DDT, DDMU, mitotane, and heptachlor epoxide, with concentrations ranging from 0.01 ppm to 15.97 ppm in water and sediment samples.

In conclusion, this study reveals unsustainable patterns of agrochemical use leading to contamination of water, sediments, and socioeconomic consequences in the study area due to inadequate regulations. Therefore, it is recommended that robust and effective environmental management policies be implemented to regulate agrochemical use. Encouraging the adoption of green chemistry technology, organic farming practices, and the use of biobased products among farmers can minimize or prevent the use of environmentally unfriendly agrochemicals. These measures will contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for all.

Impacts of Agrochemicals on Soil and Water Quality in the Catchments of Rivers Niger and Kaduna, North Central Nigeria. GET MORE ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS

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