https://doi.org/10.65770/HGYG3068
ABSTRACT
Surface water contamination by pesticides is intertwined to surface runoff and soil erosion from agricultural farms. This study determined the presence and levels of pesticide residue in water from Themi River which is a source of irrigation water at Fire vegetable farm located in Arusha, Tanzania. Using grabbing water sampling technique, three (3) composite samples of water were collected from three strategic locations along the Themi River. Applying liquid phase extraction method, the residual of three pesticides namely trichlorfon, dimethoate, and vamidothion were detected and quantified using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS) Agilent 7890A with 2-20 ppm detection limit. Results shows that the concentration of trichlorfon in the water was averaged at 0.71±0.1 µg/l, dimethoate was at 1.64±0.31 µg/l while vamidothion was at 0.78±0.38 µg/l all exceeding the 0.1 µg/l International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) recommended limits for individual pesticides residual in irrigation water. Unsustainable application of pesticide in vegetable farms not only contaminates the river but also threatens environment, life below water and human health through trophic chain.
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