Assessment of Physicochemical and organochlorine pesticide residues in selected vegetable farmlands soils in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

In this study. physicochemical and organochlorine pesticide residues in soil were determined from selected vegetable farmland in Zamfara State, Nigeria, The QuEChERS, and GC-MS were used for sample preparation and organochlorine analysis, respectively. The results of physicochemical analysis obtained showed that the soil from farmland A has sand, clay, slit. pH. organic matter and electrical conductivity content of 28.80=0.164 6. 51.0=0.78% 17.I8=10.179%,6.45=0.082, 3.15=0.00989% and 45.00-26.46 (uS cm), respectively. The soil from farmland B recorded sand. clay. slit pH organic matter and electrical conductivity content of 50.09£0.001%.25.70=0.755%, 19.01-0.861%. 6.39-0.156%. and 96.33 75.16us cm respectively while 32.30=0.0599%, 56.35=0.3999 %. 13.6=0.569%, 6.29=0.734. 5.44=0.5929% and 200.33=148.30 us cm for sand, clay, slit. pH, organic matter, and electrical conductivity respectively were values of parameters from the analysis of soil from farmlandC. Seven organochlorine pesticide residues were found in farmland A. namely: alpha lindane, detalindane. endosulfan I. isodrine, DDMU, dieldrine. endosulfan II. with concentration of 0.62 mg kg. 0.016 mg kg. 0.069 mg kg, 0.004 mg kg. 0.003 mg kg. and 0.011 mg kg respectively. Endosulfan I and dieldrin are found in farmland B with concentration of 0.124 mng kg and 0.023 mg kg while six organochlorine pesticide residues were determined in farmland C this include alpha lindane, detalindane, isodrine, heptachlor II, DDMU, and dieldrine with concentration of 0.05 mg kg. 0.054 mg kg, 0.028 ng kg. 0.006 mg kg, 0.003 mg kg and 0.006 mg kg. respectively. The amounts of dieldrin and alpba lindane were above the maximum residual limit accepted in the environment. The presence of the banned organochlorine pesticide residues in soil samples indicates hat these chemicals are still in use illegally on vegetable farm land for pest control. Regular monitoring of pesticide residues in the study area is necessary for the prevention, control, and reduction of environmental pollution.