Effects Of Rice Cultivation Input On Water Quality: Case Of Mmiri Ate Mele, Ifete-Ogwari Ayamelum, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is grown in all ecological zones globally, although different varieties, cultivation methods, processing adaptation traits for each of the ecological zones exist. Quest for increased rice productivity lead to agrochemicals input with deterimental environmental impact. Detrimental effects of agrochemicals on ecosystem and human health necessitated the need to conduct water quality assessment in the study area The study examines pollution indicators of Mmiri Ate Mele river as induced by agrochemical input in rice cultivation at Ifite-Ogwari. Survey design (random administration of 100 questionnaires), field observations and appropriate laboratory analyses were employed. It uncoverred major agricultural system practiced in the study area to be continuous farming, major crops grown is rice, irrigation farming system is practiced by the community, with major farm input to be fertilizer. Laboratory analyses revealed some pollution inicators range pH (6.7–7.24), Ec (6.7- 875.5), mercury (0.50 -1.60 mg/l), lead (0.006-0.014 mg/l), turbidity (1.2–4.5 ntu), all within WHO Standard limits. Other indicatos as DDT (0.031 - 0.125), Cadmium (0.015 - 0.157 mg/l), Arsenic (0.019 - 0.81 mg/l), Phosphate (1.53 - 2.30 mg/l) were above WHO standard limits. An indication that if agrochemical usage persists in rice cultivation without regulation and farmers attitudinal change at the area, it will increase the river toxicity and induce more harm to the environment and human health in coming years. Cultural methods of weed and pest control is advocated being one of the best eco-friendly methods of pest control. Farmers intermitent training and educational interventions