Assessment of Chemical Pollution With Routine Pesticides Using PRIMET, a Pesticide Risk Model in the Benoe Stream in the South-West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Widespread extensive and improper application of pesticides may pose risk to aquatic ecosystem and affect non-target organisms. This study aimed at assessing chemical pollution with pesticides using the PRIMET (Pesticides Risks in the tropics to Man, Environment and Trade) model in the Benoe stream. Ecotoxicological data on pesticides, pesticide and water physico-chemistry were used as input parameters. Water parameters were measured monthly for 06 months in 08 sampling points along the stream. Pesticide characteristics were obtained from the Pesticides Properties Data Base (PPDB) and the PRIMET software. The risk assessment was done for 44 active ingredients used in the area and whose ecotoxicological and physico-chemical data were available. Water parameters significantly (p<0.05) varied across seasons. Based on the Exposure Toxicity Ratio (ETR) and the Predicted Exposure Concentration (PEC), the model predicted 09 pesticides to pose a definite acute risk (ETR>100), seven to pose an acute possible risk (1≤ETR≤100) and 28 to pose no risk (ETR<1). Cadusafos (ETR=5200, PEC=39µg/l) was the most risky pesticide while imazalil (ETR=0.0002, PEC=0.0053µg/l) was the least risky compound. Cypermethrin was predicted to pose both definite acute risk to water and possible chronic risk to fish, water and Daphnia. Seven active ingredients were predicted to pose possible chronic risk to Daphnia. Pesticide used in plantations near water bodies is a threat to the aquatic ecosystem augmented in case of misuse. Bioaccumulation potential and impact of these compounds on water quality and biota community structure should be examined.