Characterization of Sprayer Rinsing Water in Rice Plots in the Yamoussoukro Region, Ivory Coast

Abstract

The intensive use of pesticides in modern agriculture poses significant risks to the environment and human health. Sprayer rinsate is often overlooked as a potential source of contamination of soil and water resources. The objective of this study is to evaluate the total pesticide load in rinse water samples. Sprayer rinsate samples were collected and analyzed to determine the concentrations of different pesticides. The targeted substances included glyphosate, atrazine, 2, 4-D, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, mancozeb, and tebuconazole, among others. Total pesticide burden was also measured to assess variation between samples. Data were interpreted based on agricultural practices and flushing techniques. The results show high concentrations of some pesticides, including glyphosate (20 mg/L), chlorpyrifos (2.4 mg/L), and mancozeb (12 mg/L). Total pesticide load varies significantly, ranging from 20 mg/L to 100 mg/L, reflecting differences in agricultural practices and flushing effectiveness. In addition, herbicides were the most predominant, followed by fungicides and insecticides. These results highlight the environmental and health risks associated with the presence of these substances in rinsing waters. Hence, it’s processing by photochemical.