RISK ASSESSMENT OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN WATER SAMPLES FROM NWANIBA RIVER, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Ecological risk assessment of pesticide residues is not only germane but critical in view their inherent health challenges and for informed decision-making process. This study was conducted to assess the levels contamination organochlorine water from Nwaniba River Uruan Local Government Area Akwa Ibom State. The analysis carried out using Gas Chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). obtained results revealed predominance Dieldrin different samples analysed Ufak Effiong Southern District (station I) Akani Obio Central II) Uruan. Pesticide were found be significantly higher than World Health Organization /Food Agricultural Association (WHO/FAO) Maximum Residue Limits (MRL). concentrations pesticides (OCPs) ranged Below detection limit (BDL) - 2.37 × 10-1 ng/µL samples. Carcinogenic values γ-BHC, delta-BHC, Dieldrin, Endosulfan I Heptachlor epoxide less 1.0 10−5, thus posing no potentially serious cancer consumers. lower (6.448 10- 11 7.208 10-11) established maximum limit. Hazard index (HI) calculated consumption through by children adults are all above unity, indicating that high toxic risks associated them. HI exposure compared those Obio. reveals physicochemical parameters both stations below permitted set (WHO) Nigerian Standard Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). It also provides a baseline data information encourage effective monitory management ecosystem.