ASSESSMENT OF PESTICIDES IN TYMPANOTONOUS FUSCATUS OF NIGER DELTA MANGROOVE SWAMPS

ABSTRACT Pesticide residues find their way into aquatic environments through direct run-off, leaching, and negligent disposal of empty containers and equipment washings. The aim of the study is to determine the health risk assessment for pesticide in Periwinkle (Littorina littorea) of Niger Delta Mangrove Swamp, Nembe. The research was carried out in the Niger Delta Mangroves Swamp, with the specific aim of evaluating the presence of pesticide residues in Tympanotonous fuscatus, a species usually referred to as periwinkle. Four sites were chosen for the study based on their proximity to agricultural areas and the high probability of pesticide usage. T. fuscatus specimens were collected from each station using a handpicking technique during low tide. To ensure that each station had adequate representation, a total of thirty samples were taken from each station. To prevent the samples from deteriorating, they were transported to the laboratory in coolers that were packed with ice. The levels of three pesticides (Propoxur, Diazinon, and Atrazine) were found in T. fuscatus samples collected from four distinct stations in the Niger Delta Mangroves Swamp, Nembe Bayelsa state. Station A consistently exhibits the highest levels of all three pesticides (Propoxur, Diazinon, and Atrazine), indicating that it is the most contaminated site. This is likely due to its proximity to agricultural lands with frequent pesticide application. Station B also exhibits substantial levels of contamination for all pesticides, albeit to a lesser extent than Station A. Station C exhibits lower levels of contamination than Stations A and B; however, it still has higher pesticide concentrations than the control station. The control station's status as a reference site with no substantial pesticide contamination is confirmed by the minimal or negligible levels of pesticides. This pattern is indicative of the impact of agricultural runoff on the pesticide contamination of the mangrove wetland ecosystem, as the contamination levels decrease as the distance from the suspected agricultural sources increases. the analysis of pesticide contamination in the Niger Delta Mangroves Swamp reveals a clear gradient of pollution influenced by proximity to agricultural activities. Station A, located nearest to the agricultural lands, exhibits the highest concentrations of Propoxur, Diazinon, and Atrazine, reflecting significant contamination levels and underscoring the impact of agricultural runoff. Encourage the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) and other sustainable agricultural practices that minimize pesticide use and reduce runoff. This can include the use of alternative pest control methods, such as biological controls and reduced pesticide application rates.