Identification of Some Priority Heavy Metals Driver of Environmental Degradation Caused by Agricultural Activity; A Case Study in Ebonyi State Nigeria

Abstract

Emmanuel Igwe, Valerien Baharane, Benedictha Chinenye Ugwu, Simbo Diakite, Francess Sia Saquee and John Ju-lius Usman

Agriculture operation remained the main emitter of top priority pollutants in the environment. This research identified actual agricultural activities that led to unabated emission heavy metal pollutant into the environment while signaling how it has contaminated agricultural yields. Descriptive statistic were used to analze quantification of the pollutants from various sources. It was reported non-sustainable agricultural operation is mother of all environmental issues verified with statistical data which showed it constituted (80%) caused ecological deterioration and deforestation. This study identified, atleast a majority (86%) of the farmers used agrochemical in their farming activities which has led to intensification of agriculture that triggered environmental degradation. Moreso, majority (88%) of the farmers used NPK fertilizer while 82% used ammonium nitrate fertilizer on their yields. It was reported that these chemical caused serious threat to life e.g N2O in particular in severe situation. The study identified, majority (75%) of the pollutants entered into the environment through erosion (leasing) of soil nutrients. The variants responsible for determining effects conventional approach to agricultural on the environment correlation relationship was tested with multiple regression analysis the was R2 82.6% which is statistically important variables that constituted the main sources of ecological crisis. The study recommended new orientation for more sustainable context approach to agriculture to produce health food and the ecosystem.

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