A Study of the Content of Pesticide Residue in Agricultural Soils Around Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, the assessment of levels of pesticide residue in agricultural soil in farmlands around Federal University Gusau was carried out. The objectives of this study are to determine soil parameters such as pH, moisture content, electrical conductivity, soil organic matter content, water holding capacity, identify the pesticide residues within the study area and assess the level of pesticide residue in the soil within the area. The sampling area covered arable farmland to the north, south, west and eastern boarders of the university campus. Analyses of cleaned sample extracts were performed using Gas Chromatography equipped with Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). A total of twelve agricultural soil samples were taken from the location at a depth of 20cm from the topsoil. The result obtained showed the presence of organochlorine and organophosphorous pesticides. Seventeen pesticide residues and derivatives were detected. These include; 2,4 dichloro, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Endosulfan, Aldrin, p,p' -DDD, g- chlordane, Profenofos, Carbofuran (a carbamate), DDVP, Dichlorvos, Heptachlor, t-nonachlor, Isopropylamine, Glyphosate, Biphenyl, Dichlorobiphenyl and Lindane. Physicochemical studies of the samples gave a pH that ranges from slightly acidic to slightly basic. The results when compared with IAEA/FAO/CODEX Alimentarius guideline are observed to be within the maximum residue limit. Keywords: Pesticides, Agricultural soil, Gusau , Gas chromatography, FAO DOI: 10.7176/JEES/12-7-04 Publication date: July 31 st 2022