AN INVESTIGATION TO THE EFFECTS OF AGRICULTURAL EFFLUENT ON THE POLLUTION OF KUNRUN STREAM
Abstract
An investigation was carried out on the effects of agricultural effluent on the quality of surface water. Two plots of land with an area of 1.5×1.5m2 square were selected on both sides of the kunrun stream, Ilorin, Nigeria. Maize (Zea mays) was planted on the plots. Thereafter, 150g of N.P.K. fertilizer was applied, samples of water were collected from July to September 2001 (rainy season) and dry season (October 2001 to March 2002). Physical and chemical analyses of the stream water samples were compared with the world health organization (WHO, 1993) standards for drinking water. The results of water analyzed show that turbidity, colour, potassium and nitrates concentration was higher than the who (1993) limits for drinking water for the rainy season when runoff was available for washing soil nutrients and thus increased the pollution of down stream water. The values of these parameters during the dry season were found to be less those obtained during the raining season and were significantly different at 95% confidence level. The study shows that the degree of pollution by non-point sources due to agricultural activities depends on the activity carried out, type and quantity of fertilizers and herbicides used and the distance of nearby stream.
