Agrochemical Concentration Level in Zaria Dam Reservoir and Ground Waters in the Environs

Abstract

This study examines the effect of agrochemical used for faming in the Galma Dam area on the quality of water in the reservoir and well water around the reservoir. Nine sampling points upstream of the Galma Dam were randomly selected for the study. Also, six hand dug wells in use by adjacent communities were identified for ground water samples. The study covered the period July to September 2011. All measurements were in accordance with the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The parameters measured and their mean concentrations from the reservoir are in the order of: Chlorides (0.600 -0.900 mg/l); Nitrates (0.009 -0.019 mg/l); Bicarbonates; 0.444 -1.900 mg/l); Total Phosphates (0.173 -3.077 mg/l); Sulphates (0.617 -3.587 mg/l); and pH (6.4 -7.5). For the well water samples, the results ranged from 1.58 -3.10 mg/l; 0.14 -0.03 mg/l; 0.60 -2.73 mg/l; 0.08 -1.89 mg/l; 0.33 -2.66 mg/l and 6.05 -7.0 respectively in the order previously listed. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA at 95% confidence level. Chlorides showed no significant variation between sampling points but significant variation with dates of sampling for surface and well waters. Nitrates variations with both sampling points and dates of sampling were insignificant. Bicarbonates variations with sampling points and dates of sampling were highly significant. Total Phosphates and Sulphates variations with sampling points and dates of sampling were insignificant and significant respectively. pH values variations with sampling points and dates of sampling were insignificant and highly significant respectively. Generally, the mean concentrations are within the WHO maximum limits of the parameters in drinking water and recommendations were made regarding the use of agrochemicals for farming in the area.

Using Aedes aegypti larvae to Assess Pesticide Contamination of Soil, Groundwater and Vegetables

“…The average concentration in nitrates in water samples were 13.45(2.13) mg/L; 16.40(2.24) mg/L and 32.75(7.32) mg/L at Sèmè-kpodji, Houéyiho and Ouidah respectively (Table 3). These nitrates concentrations in water were higher than those reported by [46] in groundwater at Zaria in Nigeria, but lower than the maximum admissible levels which are 50 mg/L [30]. The concentration of pesticide residues in soils were 1.298(0.24) ppb; 1.475(0.31) ppb and 0.33(0.09) ppb of equivalent-deltamethrin at Houéyiho, Sèmè-kpodji and Ouidah respectively.…”

Comparative anatomy of wild adult tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) testes during rainy and dry periods in Zaria, Nigeria

“…The dam was constructed in 1975 on the river Galma to carter for Zaria township water supply and other benefits. The dam has a designed live reservoir capacity of 15.875 million m3, length of 900 metres and a maximum height of 15 metres from the river bed (Tanko et al, 2012).…”