Abstract
ABSTRACT This study was conducted in the KVRS to; evaluate the seasonal eco-toxicity of water, soil and sediment samples; establish the suitability of using temperate biotest batteries in tropical systems; classify the toxicity of samples using Fuzzy Rules to estimate potential ecological risks. 143 water, sediment, and soil samples were collected during dry and rainy seasons in plantation areas. Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Aliivibrio fischeri and Arthrobacter globiformis bioassays were used to assess the toxicity of the samples. Results were categorized and classified into toxicity classes. Dry season presented a significantly higher mean inhibition of 31% than 5% shown by rainy season samples (p < 0.001) in the bacterial bioassays, indicating a lower concentration of contaminants due to flooding and increased surface runoff. A few sediment samples resulted into 100% inhibition of A. globiformis, implying organisms were physiologically inactive upon exposure to contaminants. Seventy-three percent of samples posed little or no toxic potential risk, 25% posed critical risk and 1% posed elevated critical risk, implying the KVRS ecosystem might be at risk if the extensive usage of pesticides in the area is not well managed and monitored. The temperate micro-biotests can be used in tropical systems, but with further research on suitable organisms and standardized methods.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.