Determination of Pesticide Residues in Soils of Cotton Farming Areas in Togo

Abstract

The main cash crop in Togo is cotton, with about 70% of agricultural exports. This crop is very dependent on the use of chemical inputs, in particular pesticides. Pesticides used in cotton farming in Togo include organochlorines, triazines, organophosphates and pyrethroids. We conducted a study on the impact of these pesticide use, in particular organochlorines and triazines, on cotton farming soils. We chose the Plateaux region (southern Togo) as the study area because of its high cotton production. Analysis was carried out on crop soil samples at the 0 -20 cm horizon. Several pesticide residues were found: simazine (0.051 to 0.103 µg/Kg soil); atrazine (0.149 to 0.197 µg/Kg soil); lindane (0.259 to 0.672 µg/Kg soil); β-endosulfan (1.37 to 5.727 µg/Kg soil); dieldrin (0.063 to 1.16 µg/Kg soil); endrin (0.512 µg/Kg soil), Heptachlor (0.489 to 1.243 µg/Kg soil); Heptachlor epoxide (0.928 to 1.633 µg/Kg soil); [2,4'DDT] (0.257 µg/Kg soil); [4,4'DDE] (0.262 µg/Kg soil). These results show pesticide contamination of cotton farming soils.

Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides in Vegetable Growing and their Impact on the Ecosystem in the Comoé River Watershed, Burkina Faso

“…The survey also revealed that the majority of growers use chemical fertilizers, but only 12% of them know how to apply and use them. This lack of knowledge of fertilizer dosages could affect the sustainability of vegetablegrowing systems and pose a risk to the environment [6]. In fact, the work of [17].…”

“…However, mismanagement of these products can entail health and environmental risks [5]. Excessive use of compound or nitrogen fertilizers is a source of nitrates that contaminate surface and underground water [6]. In addition, the pressure of pests (parasites and harmful insects) is a major constraint on the vegetable-growing sector, and contributes to the decline in production and producers' incomes.…”

Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Pyrethroids and Organophosphorus Pesticides in the Middle Part of Mono River Basin

“…It is also heavily dependent on pesticides. Pyrethroids (PYR), organophosphorus (OP), triazine and carbamate pesticides are the most widely used families throughout the country [6,7]. Although these groups of pesticides are considered easily biodegradable, some are extremely toxic, especially to aquatic organisms.…”