EVALUATION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN SOIL FROM RICE FILEDS IN DIFFERERNT LOCATIONS IN IDAH, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA KOGI STATE

Pesticides are widely used in rice cultivation to control pests and enhance yield; however, their continuous application raises concerns about soil contamination, environmental safety, and public health. This study evaluated pesticide residues in soils from rice fields in different locations within Idah Local Government Area, Kogi State. Soil samples were systematically collected from two major rice farming sites (Edeh and Egbolo) at depths of 0–30 cm, air-dried, sieved, and subjected to residue extraction using acetone and n-hexane solvents. The extracts were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) to quantify selected pesticide-associated heavy metals, including nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and arsenic (As). Results indicated detectable concentrations of all analyzed elements across both sites, with values ranging from 0.64 ppm for Cd to 118.20 ppm for Fe. However, when compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) maximum recommended limits (MRLs) for agricultural soils, all recorded concentrations were below permissible thresholds. Although Egbolo soils exhibited slightly higher levels of Ni, Cr, Zn, Fe, Mn, Co, and As, while Edeh recorded marginally higher Pb and Cu, these variations remained within safe limits. The findings suggest that, under current management practices, rice fields in Idah are not heavily contaminated by pesticide residues or associated heavy metals. Nonetheless, given the persistence of pesticides and their potential to bioaccumulate under paddy soil redox conditions, there remains a risk of long-term mobilization of toxic elements such as As and Cd into the soil–water–plant continuum. The study concludes that the soils are presently safe for rice production but highlights the need for continuous monitoring to prevent future contamination. It recommends seasonal residue assessments involving soils, irrigation water, and rice grains, adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) to minimize pesticide loads, use of low-impurity fertilizers, and application of organic amendments such as biochar to enhance soil quality. These measures are vital to sustaining safe rice production, protecting ecosystems, and safeguarding public health in Idah and similar rice-producing regions.