Impacts of Agricultural Wastes on Groundwater Pollution in Lipakala Farms, Ondo Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The impact of Agricultural wastes on ground water pollution was investigated in Lipakala Farms, Ondo Southwest, Nigeria. Physical, chemical and microbial parameters of the water samples of the only water source in the farm were analysed. This was to determine the level of pollution and the suitability of the water source for domestic and animal consumption. Results showed that minute traces of ions were present in water, lead ranges between 0.4 and 0.6mg/l, Nitrate 64 – 65mg/l; pH value of 7.8; Iron, 56.3-57.8mg/l. For the physical characteristics, while temperature ranges between 31.5⁰c and 33⁰c, samples were odourless, colourless but tasty with turbidity value of I0NTU and electrical conductivity of 690mho/cm, indicating high presence of salt deposits as a result of the location of precambium basement rock near the farm. The average bacterial count of 4cfu/ml and total coliform count of 10MPN/100N were indication of microbial contamination of the water source. Hence, it is recommended that wells should be located at upland to croplands to prevent inflow through runoff of fertilizers and chemicals from farmlands. Also, modern waste disposal methods should be adopted, phasing out open dumpsites to avoid microbial contamination of well and safeguard public health. In addition, public health enlightment and awareness campaign should be conducted in the farm to sensitize the inhabitants of the farm of the dangers inherent in haphazard waste disposal.

Keywords: Agricultural wastes, Pollution, Well, Microbial contaminants