Effect of Agrochemical use on Water Quality in Parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchments, North Central, Nigeria.

Abstract

Effect of agrochemicals on water quality in parts of Rivers Niger and Kaduna Catchments, north central, Nigeria was investigated. Data from the study of agrochemical residue levels in the area remains scanty and therefore needed. Extensive field survey was conducted using various participatory appraisals techniques involving key stakeholders in the area, following which total of sixteen samples of water and sediments for minerals and physico-chemical determinations were collected and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Survey result showed that lower zone ranked the highest with use of agrochemicals (39.4%); upper zone ranked second with 33.5% and middle zone ranked the least with 24.5%. Out of 100% of the respondents, 2.7% disaffirmed the use of pesticides and fertilizers in their farms due to inadequate financial support to farming and inadequate legit borrowing facilities in the study area. Plant minerals NO3-, NO2-, and PO4- concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 5.771ppm were detected in sediments and surface water samples. Most of the findings were above permissible level. Physico-chemical parameters analysed include COD, BOD, Total hardness, Sulphate, Manganese, PH and Chloride. The findings shows considerable number of the parameters were above permissible level. In view, of the aforementioned, we suggest that farmers should be educated and urged to adopt sustainable agrochemical usage. These will guarantee cleaner and healthier environment for all.