Assessment of Herbicide Residues and Heavy Metals in Yawa Dug Wells Water

The present study was carried out to investigate the occurrence and effects of herbicides on human health and the environment in Yawa area of Mubi South Local Government Area. Physiochemical properties were conducted using standard methods. The concentration of heavy metals was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) VGP 210 and pesticide residues were determined according AOAC methods. All the physiochemical parameters investigated did not fall within the permitted values accepted by WHO. It was found that the concentrations of some metals such as Ca, Fe, Mg, and Cu in Wells A and F) detected were slightly higher than WHO limit with few exception that were below required limit. Iron was the most abundant metal detected. The general trend of concentrations of the heavy metals in the water samples from different sources ranges as Fe>Mg>Ca>Cu. Atrazine was found to be present in the following order E >D>A>G >F>B>C. Sample E has the highest value of 0.88±0.001 mg/l and sample C with the lowest value of 0.023±0.001 mg/l. This study has shown that Atrazine is still in use despite the ban on its uses. It is therefore, recommended that government should intensify public sensitisation on the dangers associated with the uses of these pesticides despite their numerous benefits. Periodic assessment of the dug well water in Yawa should be carried out to ascertain the level of pesticide pollution and safety for consumption.