The Impacts of Industrial Effluent Discharge on Agricultural Fields

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of agricultural industrial effluent discharge on agricultural fields. Soil and crops samples from industrial effluent irrigated agricultural fields were collected from 5 locations in Ilorin, Kwara State between March and August, 2017. Soil and crop samples were analysed for heavy metals (Zinc, Copper, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Cadmium, and Chromium) using the standard procedures. Data collected were analysed for simple descriptive statistics using the Microsoft Excel Package. Results showed Zn level concentration in agricultural produces from in Farms 3 - 5 were found to be in the range of 0.08-0.3 mgkg^{-1 `}falling within the WHO/FAO safe limits of 0.60 mgkg^-1. Crop samples collected from Farms 1 & 2 showed the Zn levels higher than the WHO/FAO permissible limit. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe and Cd in agricultural produces were found within the permissible limits of the WHO. The order of accumulation of heavy metals by the agricultural produces were Ewedu > Garden Egg > Flute Pumpkin > Maize > Okro. The consumption of agricultural produces study farms 1 and 2 may pose serious danger to human health. This study recommends treatment of industrial effluent before discharge into the agricultural lands.