Pollution of Water Resources by Agrochemicals in the Agroindustrial Areas at the South Western Flank of Mount Cameroon

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the contribution of certain constituents of soluble agrochemical residues to surface and groundwater pollution in the study area. The constituents studied included Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Nitrate (NO3 - ), Phosphate (PO4 2-), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Nickel (Ni) in various water sources. Forty water samples were collected from both surface and groundwater. In-situ electronic meter measurements were used to determine the DO levels. The laboratory methods of Nitrogen Distillation and spectrophotometry were employed to measure the concentrations of NO3 - and PO4 2-, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The results obtained during the wet season indicated that DO, NO3 - , and PO4 2- levels were within permissible limits. However, for Cd, Pb, and Ni, a significant proportion of values exceeded the permissible limits during this season (Cd: 95%, Pb: 95%, Ni: 35%), suggesting possible contamination of the water sources. Conversely, during the dry season, all parameters were within permissible limits, except for Pb, where 95% of its values exceeded the limit. These findings conclude that the application of agrochemicals in the agro-industrial areas has a notable impact on water resources, particularly during the wet season.