THE LEVELS OF HEAVY METALS IN GLYPHOSATE (CROSS FIRE, RELISATE, TACKLE, FORCE UP AND SAROSATE)

ABSTRACT This study investigates the concentration of selected heavy metals: zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) in five commercially available glyphosate-based herbicides (Relisate, Force Up, Tackle, Sarosate, and Crossfire). The increasing concern about toxic heavy metals in agrochemicals arises from their potential to degrade soil quality, contaminate the environment, and pose serious health risks to farmers, consumers, and ecosystems. Samples were analyzed for the presence of Zn, Cd, Ni, Mn, and Pb. Results showed detectable concentrations of Zn, Cd, Ni, and Mn across all samples, with Pb not detected in any formulation. Zn concentrations ranged from 18.21 to 25.60 mg/L, Cd from 1.60 to 3.33 mg/L, Ni from 3.00 to 3.85 mg/L, and Mn from 9.41 to 18.21 mg/L. Tackle recorded the highest Cd and Ni levels, while Force Up had the highest Zn and Mn levels. Though Zn and Mn are essential micronutrients, their excessive presence may disrupt nutrient balance and affect plant physiology. Cd and Ni, known for their toxicity and non-essential nature, pose significant risks to soil organisms, crop productivity, and food safety. The study concludes that continuous application of these herbicides could lead to harmful accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils. It is therefore essential to ensure proper regulatory oversight and quality control in herbicide production to safeguard environmental and public health.