AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM RISK AND OPPORTUNITY

ASSESSMENT SURVEY OF THE BRISTISH AMERICAN

TOBACCO (BATN) FARMS AND OPERATIONS IN OYO STATE

By

Professor Adebayo Otitoloju

Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management
Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.

&

Dr Nnamdi Amaeze PhD MEnv

Ecotoxicology and Conservation
Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Water quality studies constitute one of the most important component in many risk
assessment exercise. The importance attached to this componentwater quality
studies is due to the myriad numerous of services which aquatic ecosystems
provide. The reconciliation of these different needs for water is a major task for all
regulatory agencies that are concerned with sustainable use of this important earth’s
resource.

1.2 With particular reference to the study area, the Iseyin and its environs are blessed
with a number of surface water bodies including streams, rivers and dams (Fig. 1).
Some of the major water bodies in the area include:
 Ogun River
 Ofiki River
 Olugbade Dam
 Ilua Dam
 Ilero Dam
 Irawo Dam
 Odo Ogun Dam
 Saki Dam
 Igboho Dam
 Oje Owode
 Owo River, Ago Are
 Ago Are Dam
 Esin Omu River, Irawo
 Ogbooro Dam
 Igboho Dam

1.3 The water bodies in the area are used for water abstraction, drinking, irrigation,
fishing and other domestic purposes. The water bodies also serve as habitat to

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 numerous flora and fauna. Therefore, anthropogenic activities on or along the
watercourses can have significant impact on the water resources.
1.4 The health impacts associated with contaminated aquatic ecosystems either as a
result of transmission of waterborne diseases or consumption of fisheryies
resources that have bioaccumulated toxic chemicals have brought to the water
pollution problems to the forefront of environment. It is therefore important to
investigate the possible risks that may be posed to the water bodies in the vicinity
of the tobacco leaf growing operations.

1.5 This report therefore focuses on identifying the biodiversity risks associated with
the activities of the BATN tobacco farmers and in some cases other land users on
the quantity and quality of nearby water bodies. It also aims to identify the
opportunities that can assist to improve conservation efforts and increase
biodiversity of ecosystem resources in the BATN areas of operation in Oyo State.

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Fig 1: Water bodies and Dams around Nursery sites

2.0 Current Activities of The Tobbaco Farming Operations Which

May Impact Negatively on the Water Resources

2.1 Tobacco farming operations tend to have similar impacts on the biodiversity of
the area of operations. However, certain peculiarities have been observed due to
some prevalent farming practices by the Tobacco farmers. The peculiarities are
due to some of the following considerations usually undertaken by the Tobacco
farmers:

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  Size of land for cultivation, which ultimately is linked to the profit
potential for the farmer
 Other competing agricultural activities which may generate more
money
 Nearness to natural water bodies or Dam especially for nursery sites
given the relatively high demand for water by the plants at their
earliest stages
 Sources of wood for use in barns during tobacco curing and
 Accessibility as well as proximity of the farms to roads.

2.2 The major activities of the Tobacco leaf farming operations which may impact
negatively on the water resources in this region are provided below.

2.2.1 Land Clearing Activities

The activities of the tobacco leaf planting operations just like most farming
exercise necessarily involves the clearing of forests to give way for tobacco
farms. These land clearing activities reduces forest cover and therefore the
capacity of the forests lands to retain water. This is because the forest canopy is
also able to capture fog, which itand distributes into it to the vegetation and soil.
The forest floor also holds as much as five times its weight in water and a tree
contains water in its roots, trunk, stems, and leaves. Because of all this stored
moisture, forests help to maintain an even flow of water in rivers and streams in
times of flood or drought. The roots of the trees and other vegetation hold the soil
in place and control erosion from wind and rain, preventing flooding and
increased turbidity of streams and rivers.

Land clearance for tobacco farming still subsists in many places as farmers
continue to seek for more fertile and tillable soils. Some areas have limited farm
lands and in a bid to expand productivity and income, farmers search out for new
areas for shifting cultivation. However, it is encouraging to note a number of
farmers practice bush fallow system and crop rotation thus limiting farm
expansions into forested areas.

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 The encouragement and support for tree planting (Daniella olivera) by the BATN
has led to gradual reforestation of some previously farmed area. Apart from effect
on the watershed, this also serves as an alternative source of wood for use in the
barns. For example at Igbojaiye, a forest area is delineated as a biodiversity
monitoring site, (which is an area where no form of cultivation is allowed) is a
deliberated move to protect existing forests.

2.2.2 Tobacco Leaf Nurseries

After land clearance, leaf planting operations begins with nursery activities which
entails construction of nursery beds, planting of tobacco seeds on a 1m x 10m bed
before transfers to farm plots (Fig. 2). The process involved as documented in the
previous report:

 use of large volume of water to irrigate the nursery

 use of fertilizer to enhance growth of the seedlings
 use of pesticides to control insect pests.
 the use of charcoal to retain soil nutrients
Due to the proximity of the nurseries sites to water bodies, there is the risk of
nutrient enrichment of the water bodies due toas a result of run-offs which leads
leading to algae bloom or eutrophication. Contamination of the water bodies with
agricultural chemicals e.g. insecticides, herbicides etc, can also occur during run-
offs especially during the rainy season. Movement of soil and associated
agricultural pollutants into watercourses is a major off-site impact which can
cause erosion as a result of the surface run-offs.

The rate of erosion does not have to be high for significant quantities of
agricultural pollutants to be transported off-site. These chemicals move into, and
pollute, downstream watercourses and water bodies. Bearing in mind the various
purposes to which the water resources in the study area are put into use, especially
abstraction of water for drinking purposes and the limitation of the water
treatment methods to remove agro-chemicals from the treated water, there is a

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potential public health risks associated with this stage of the tobacco leaf planting
operations. Furthermore, fishing activities in the water bodies implies that edible
organisms caught from the water resource may also accumulate some of the
chemicals in their body tissues which when fed upon by man can cause pollutant
related diseases.

Eutrophication in itself results in siltation of water bodies when algal blooms die
off seasonally. This results in eventual reduction inreduces the depth of water
which impacts on the volume of water available in nearby streams and dams for
irrigation. Most dams in the area were constructed several years ago in order to
ensure constant supply of water to increase productivity per hectare, but
eutrophication impairs this service.

Surface runoffs in the tobacco farm nurseries farms is enhanced by the deliberate
construction of these nurseries on slopes which end in water bodies. These steep
gradient therefore enhances leaching of agrochemicals even with the slightest
volume of rainfall.

Nursery construction on slopes is counterproductive because it results in higher

rate of nutrient loss and soil degradation. The farmer therefore would have to
spend more input cost due to increased need for fertilizer use to sustain soil
nutrients. This therefore creates an unsustainable cycle of nutrient enrichment on
land and eutrophication of water.

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Fig. 2: Tobacco plants at different stages of monitoring at Nursery sites across the area
of operation.

2.2.3 Tobacco Leaf Curing Activities

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The curing of tobacco is a slow process carefully monitored to produce tobacco
leaves with specific colours, wilts, and degrees of dryness. Four different methods
of curing—air curing, fire curing, flue (heat) curing, and sun curing—impart
distinctive flavour to the tobacco leaves.

In the BATN Leaf Agronomy area, the main method of leaf curing is the flue
(heat) curing method (Fig. 3). This process involves the burning of wood logs to
generate heat used for the process. The use of wood logs implies cutting down of
trees to serve as fuel source. The impact of these trees cutting operations on water
resources is that it leads to loss of forest covers therefore reducing the capacity of
the forests lands to store water and maintain an even flow of water in rivers and
streams.

However, the recent introduction of rocket barns (Fig. 3), (which are improved
curing housed whose furnace is lined with reflective cylinders which help to
retain heat) has led to reduced wood consumption and by about fifty percent
(50%). The domestication of this technique by the farmers is also of importance
given that they are now getting around the issue of prohibitive cost which limits
the procurement of imported rocket bans.

The rocket ban technology would therefore reduce tree felling and eventually
enhance the capacity of forests to store water and maintain the hydrological
cycle. In the a long term, this would minimize the risk of drought which can have
drastic consequences for all farmers including tobacco farmers in the area.

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Fig. 3: The Old barn system and the Rocket barns which have improved curing efficiency

3.0 Water Quality Studies

As part of the biodiversity risk assessment of the BATN leaf operations, a survey
was carried out to determine the impact of the leaf operations on the surface water
physico-chemistry. This was done to provide a quantitative interpretation of the
observations on site.

3.1 Methodology and Data Acquisition

For this aspect of the assessment, water samples were collected from water bodies
in the vicinity of the farms while control samples were collected at upstream
locations, as well as, in areas where there were no tobacco farm operations. The
water quality was measured both in situ and ex situ as required by the respective
parameters.
The physicochemical parameters analysed for in the samples include:
 pH
 Conductivity
 Salinity
 Total Dissolved Solids
 Total Suspended Solids
 Phosphate (PO4-)
 Nitrate (NO3-)

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  Sulphate (SO4-)
 Pesticide residue

Logistics: The field survey was undertaken between 14th to 18th of July 2014. An
initial field reconnaissance of the project area was carried out and based on the
basis of this visit and using the grid system of allocating sampling locations,
sampling stations and quadrates were fixed based onaccording to intensity of the
tobacco farming activities in respective locations (Table 1).

In this section of the report, data on the environmental characteristics of water

resources in the project area is presented. These data were obtained by a
combination of literature review, field truthing and laboratory analyses of samples
collected during field visits.

3.2 Results and Discussions

3.2.1 Physical and Biological Assessment

The general visual and biological assessments of the water bodies at close
proximities to the tobacco nursery sites show evidence of organic pollution,
different stages of eutrophication and a proliferation of arthropods which thrive in
waters with high organic nutrient content (Table 1). Besides the proximity of the
nurseries, the construction of nurseries on ridges/beds on the slopes leading to
rivers, streams and dams further enhance the rate of nutrient wash off and
subsequent enrichment.

Presently the areas with the large tobacco farms/supply is at great and profound
risk given that the dams in these areas which supply the farms are either in
advanced or final stages of eutrophication and risk of being overgrown with
weeds (Fig. 4).

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Table 1: Water Sampling Locations and physical characteristics.

Sampling Description Characteristics

Code

1 Ilua dam, Nursery site  Turbid and shallow water, evidence of

eutrophication and invasive species such as
Typha and floating plants growing in the
centre of the dam.
 Presence of arthropods such as dragonflies
and water boatmen which thrive under high
organic pollution.
 Report of annual fishing exercise- usually
for invasive species such as Oreochromis
niloticus and hypoxic tolerant species such
as Clarias gariepinus.
2 Ilero dam  The water is not yet overridden with
invasive species. It appeared clear but
relatively shallow. Tall perennial grasses
and Typha line the banks.
 Report of sighting and occassional fishing of
invasive species such as Oreochromis
niloticus and hypoxic tolerant species such
as Clarias gariepinus.
 Also there were organic pollution indicators
such as high abundance of dragonflies,
water fleas, hydrophilous beetles and water
boat man
3 Oyan river (Ilajile), Idiko  The river is far from the nursery sites. Water
Ago appeared clear and deep but a sizable
amount of dragonflies where buzzing on the

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 banks.
 The banks appeared normal and lined with a
variety of native vegetations.
4 Igbojaiye stream  Located between a tobacco farm site and a
biodiversity monitoring site (where
cultivation, hunting and clearance is
prohibited). The stream is naturally shallow
and showed no sign of eutrophication.
 A variety of fingerlings were sighted
including those of C. gariepinus, Synodontis
sp., O. niloticus and Battygobius soporator
indicating a healthy stock of fisheries.
 There was scare sighting of dragon flies and
water boatmen had a low density when they
occurred.
5 Spring water, Baba Ode  Fast flowing river with a rock basement,
close to nursery sites. The clear water and
low arthropod sightings can be linked to its
lenthic nature which enables it to refresh
rapidly.
6 Otu stream, Otu  Runs across a farming zone, slightly distant
from farms but used as a nursery site. The
water appeared healthy, deep, clear and fast
flowing.
 There were evidence of amphibians laying
eggs in string jellies at the banks.
7 Koloko stream, Owotoro  A small seasonal stream about 10m from a
perennial nursery site. The water is shallow,
receding and turbid. Few arthropods
indictors of organic pollution were also
found.

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8 Ofiki stream, Ofiki  Small stream close to a nursery site.
Breeding site for amphibians. Numerous
arthropod indicators of organic pollution
such as dragonflies, damselflies, water fleas
and water boatmen.
9 Ofiki Dam  Used for irrigating nearby farmlands
including tobacco farms. it has a stony
sediment with a characteristic reddish brown
colour. Breeding site for amphibians.
Numerous arthropod indicators of organic
pollution such as dragonflies, damselflies,
water fleas and water boatmen.

10 Irawo stream, Irawo  Small stream, flowing at the foot of a

mountain, with rocky basement. Clear and
free of organic pollution indicators. At least
10m from the nursery sites. The land
structure is flat and this minimizes runoff.
However, risk of ground water pollution
cannot be ruled out.
11 Irawo Dam, Irawo  Used as a control site. No evidence of
nursery site within at least 50m radius. Clear
and relatively deep.
 Bank however lined with Typha and tall
grasses. any contribution to eutrophication
here is likely from other farming activities
( and not tobacco farms)
12 Ago-Are Dam  Dam is shallow, turbid and overgrown with
weeds at the banks and but clear middle
areas. Presence of monitor lizards and cattle
egrets (which thrives in areas with organic

14
 wastes and ample supply of worms).
Abundance of dragonflies at the banks.
13 Ogboro Dam  Relatively clear but very shallow waters
but banks are also with Typha and tall
grasses. The water appear very stagnant,
restricted and receding in a very
unsustainable manner. Numerous arthropod
indicators of organic pollution such as
dragonflies, damselflies, water fleas and
water boatmen.
14 Igboho Dam  Very steep banks close to nurseries
indicating a high risk of eutrophication. The
water is very shallow, stagnant and is at
imminent risk of drying up. Numerous
arthropod indicators of organic pollution
such as dragonflies, damselflies, water fleas
and water boatmen.

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Fig. 4: Evidence of eutrophication in some of the dams which supply tobacco farms and
other agricultural concerns

3.2.2 Chemical Assessments

The results of the water quality studies, based on surface water samples collected
from various designated stations in the study area are given in Tables 2. The
results of the analysis of water lagoon revealed that the water was quite turbid
based on the level of suspended solids in the samples. The water was also found
to be neutral to slightly alkaline with pH value ranging from 7.2 to 7.6 in the
water samples analysed. The analysed samples were designed and selected to
cover the respective agro-geographic zones. The temperature measurements
revealed that of a typical tropical water body, ranging from 28.9° to 30.4°C. The
conductivity and total dissolved solids (TDS) of the water samples ranged from
37.3 mS/cm - 210.0 mS/cm and 18.8 mg/L – 105.0 mg/L respectively, depicting
that of a typical freshwater body.

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The NO3-N, PO4-P and SO4 levels in the water bodies were high, ranging from
14.5mg/L – 44.7 mg/L, 10.6mg/L – 41.7mg/Land 1.0 mg/L-16.4mg/L
respectively. The high level of nutrient in the water bodies may not be
unconnected to the tobacco leaf operations especially the use of fertilizers in
nursery sites, as well as, other agricultural activities which are predominant in the
area. In some areas, however, other competing agro ecosystems may also have
important contributions (Fig.5).

The level of pesticide residues especially the synthetic pyrethroids was below
detectable limits of 0.001ug/l in the water samples. The low level of pesticides in
the water samples may be attributable to the non-persistent characteristic of the
Lambda Cyhalothrin insecticide that is used for pest control in the agriculture
fields, tobacco leaf operations inclusive. The low persistent nature ensures the
rapid degradation of these insecticides and removal from the environment.

Comparison of the water quality results withto WHO’s guidelines for water
bodies to be abstracted for drinking and other domestic purposes showed that the
water bodies around the around study area are not polluted and are fit for
abstraction for domestic uses. The tobacco leaf growing operations are therefore
not currently causing any significant impact on water quality in the areas of
operation.

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 Table 2: Physico-chemical Characteristics of Water Samples collected during the
sampling survey.

Sample Location NO3-N PO3-4 SO4 TSS COND TDS DO pH Pesticide

Cluster (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (mg/L) (µsm-1) (mg/L) (mg/ residue
L) (ug/L)
Otu Otu 14.5 10.6 1.0 3.0 37.6 18.8 4.1 7.4 <0.001
Idiko- Ago Idiko- Ago 44.7 41.7 13.5 39.0 69.8 34.9 4.5 7.2 <0.001
Komu Baba Ode 27.8 21.5 2.7 3.0 91.8 45.9 5.5 7.5 <0.001
Ago Are Ofiki 25.4 20.3 4.4 23.0 188.0 94.0 5.0 7.5 <0.001
Irawo 21.6 18.9 7.4 8.0 210.0 105.0 5.3 7.5 <0.001
Igboho Igboho 23.5 20.1 6.1 10.0 37.3 18.7 5.1 7.6 <0.001
Ogboro 27.2 25.4 16.4 39.0 157.0 78.5 5.4 7.6 <0.001

Fig 5: An Oil palm plantation which currently competes for land and equally contributes
to ecological challenges in the area.

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4.0 Risk Assessment

4.1 The various attributes of the study environment were taken into consideration
during this phase of the study. Particular attention was paid to the susceptible
attributes. Risk analysis and hazard identification therefore followed an activity/
environmental attribute approach. Risk evaluation was carried out using a
modified method of Leopold interaction matrix (Leopold et al; 1971). In this
system, project activities are in columns while environmental components are in
rows.

The risks analysis for the various project activities were screened using the
following criteria:

 Magnitude – probable severity

 Prevalence – likely extent of impacts
 Duration and frequency – short or long term
 Probability of occurrence of an adverse impact
 Importance/Significance
The indices used for the integrated risk impact rating scheme are as follows:

Categories Description of Risk Assigned Value Assigned Colour

A Full Negative Risk -5 RED

B High Negative Risk -4 ORANGE

C Moderate Negative Risk -3 PINK

D Mild Negative Risk -2 YELLOW

E Unknown Negative Risk 0 WHITE

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The magnitude (severity) of the risks whether positive or negative is also scaled as follows:

Magnitude Assigned Scale

Full 5

High 4

Moderate 3

Mild 2

Negligible 1

Criteria for Measuring Severity (Positive or Negative) of Impact:

Negligible: No significant changes

Mild: Minimal changes but reversible (if negative), Short-term

Moderate: Minor changes but also reversible (if negative), Short -term

High: Major significant changes but reversible (if negative), Medium-term

Full: Major significant changes but irreversible (if negative), Long-term

Duration, which could either be short term or long term is applied as follows:

Duration Assigned Scale Criteria

Short Term 1 period within and up to 6 months

Medium Term 2 period within and up to 12 months

Long Term 3 period exceeding 12 months

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Making use of the above approach, each environmental attributes was taken and
examined vis-a-vis the proposed project activities/ components. Identification of hazards
and assessment of the risks were then identified from this interaction.

Overall Risk rating for each activities was derived by multiplying the assigned values of
the risk impact rating (R) with severity (S) of risk and duration (D).

Overall Risk Rating = R x S x D

4.2 Risk Assessment In Relation To Water Component

4.2.1 Reduction in Stream / River Flow and Water Availability

The tobacco leaf planting operations necessarily involve the clearing of forests to
give way for tobacco farms (Fig. 6). These land clearing activities reduces the
capacity of the forests land to store water. Risk associated with this action is
reduction in water availability which is expressed in terms of reduction in stream /
river flow, drying up of perennial water resources and reduction in groundwater
volume due to low rate of recharge of water sources. The risk is therefore
categorized as High Negative risk.

Magnitude: Taking into consideration the size of the leaf planting operations in
the Iseyin area, especially the dual need to clear land for nursery sites and then
planting. Furthermore, the forward looking attribute of the farmers to produce
more, in line with BAT objectives of increasing production implies that more
forest areas would be cleared. The loss or dry up of water resources also implies
that there is potential risk of loss of habitat for aquatic lives. Conflict on water
utilization may also arise amongst inhabitants of the area due to diminishing
quantity of the water resources in the area. The magnitude of the risk is therefore
categorized as High and duration of the risks is considered to be long-term.

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Fig. 6: Land clearing activities leading to removal of forest covers, exposure of soil to
direct impact of precipitation and loss in capacity of the land to retain water.

4.2.2 Eutrophication or Nutrient Enrichment of Surrounding Water bodies

The tobacco leaf nursery activities involve the use of fertilizers to enhance growth
of the seedlings. During the rainy seasons, the applied fertilizers can be carried
along with the top soil due to surface run-offs into the surrounding water bodies.
There is therefore the risk of nutrient enrichment of the water bodies to algae
bloom and increased macrophyte growth in the water bodies. The implications of
the algae bloom are that it would lead to the discolouration of the water and
sometimes release of toxins into the water bodies depending on the species of
dominant algae species. This would render the water bodies unfit for drinking
purposes and increase cost of water treatment. The movement of soil and nutrients
into watercourses can lead to sedimentation / siltation in the watercourses and
dams. The siltation of the watercourses may lead to habitat loss especially as it
encourages growth of invasive plant species (Fig. 7). This can lead to changes in
species composition and loss of biological diversity since the water bodies

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 currently serve as important habitat to aquatic lives including phytoplankton,
zooplankton, fishes etc. Growth of macrophyte and siltation will also make
navigation on these waters difficult or make the watercourse impassable. This
may lead to transportation problems in the area. This risk is therefore categorized
as high negative risk.

Magnitude: Due to the observation that the introduction of fertilizers is generally

limited to nursery activities, the magnitude of the risk is therefore categorized as
moderate and duration of the risks is considered to be medium-term.

Fig. 7: Nutrient enrichment and siltation of waterbodies around a nursery site.

4.2.3 Contamination of Water bodies by Pesticides

The nursery activities also entail the use of insecticides to control insect pests of
tobacco leaves. The rate of application during the early stages of the leaf planting
operations was high and can be considered to be almost spontaneous i.e. upon

23
 sighting of any insect pest by the farmers. The major insecticide in use is Lambda
Cyhalothrin 2.5% Emusifiable Concentrate. The contamination of the surrounding
waterbodies with this pesticide can occur during run-offs, improper disposal of
containers, washing of mixing materials, bathing by farmers after pesticide
spraying etc. The insecticide in use, similar to most other pesticides, is broad
spectrum chemical and has toxic effects on both target and non target organisms.
Therefore, the introduction of this pesticide into the waterbodies can cause
mortality of aquatic organisms leading to loss of biological diversity especially if
the pollution is chronic as a result of constant use of the chemical. Due to the high
volume of farming activities going on in the area, tobacco and non-tobacco
farming, as well as, the observed usage of pesticides by both tobacco and non-
tobacco farmers (Fig. 8) in the area, the cumulative use implies that the risk of
pesticide contamination is High Negative.

Magnitude: Due to the observation that the use of the pesticide is generally
limited to nursery activities and the non persistent nature of the pesticide in use,
the severity of the risk is therefore categorized as medium and duration of the
risks is considered to be short-term.

Summary of the risk assessment is provided in table 3.

Fig. 8: Non-tobacco farmers also spraying pesticides in their farms.

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Table 3: Risk Assessment Matrix for BAT Iseyin Tobacco Leaf Activities

Activities Risks Risk Impact Severity (S) Duration (D) Overall Risk
Rating (R) Rating

(R*S* D)

Land Clearing Reduction in Stream / River Flow and -5 5 Long-term (3) -75
Activities Water Availability

Nursery Eutrophication or Nutrient Enrichment -4 4 Medium-term -32

Activities of Surrounding Waterbodies (2)

Siltation and Development of Invasive -3 4 Medium-term -24

Plant Species (2)

Contamination of Waterbodies by -4 3 Short-term (1) -12

Pesticides

Tobacco Curing Reduction in Stream / River Flow due -2 2 Medium-term -8

to sourcing for wood fuel (2)

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5.0 Opportunities Assessments

5.1 Regional / Central Nursery Sites: BAT should consider the establishment of central
nursery sites which are well equipped and provided with boreholes at strategic
locations in the Iseyin area. The essence of these central nurseries is to have some
nursery sites that are not located too close to dams or river bodies that are abstracted
for drinking water purposes. It will also enhance uniformity of operations, reduce
need to continually open new lands for nurseries and increase productivity.

Given the current state of most dams there is need for de-silting and dredging of dams
to clear water ways and enable refreshment and supply of water to enhance general
agricultural yield. BATN being the most important player can spearhead this activity
in conjunction with relevant local authorities.

5.2 Training of farmers and field workers on the deleterious side effects of pesticides,
concept of integrated pest management, health and safety matters regarding use of
pesticides e.g. symptoms of pesticide poisoning, antidotes, reading of labels, storage
conditions for pesticides etc. The essence of this opportunity is to minimise pesticide
use, understand its effects and enhance health and safety rating of BAT Iseyin leaf
operation.

5.3 Monitoring: There is a need to institute a monitoring regime to determine periodically

the level of pesticides and nutrients in water bodies around nursery sites. This
monitoring exercise should include sampling of water, sediment and edible biota. The
essence of instituting the monitoring exercise is to ensure early detection of pollution
in the water bodies. The check in edible fisheries will help detect if the organisms
have ability to bioaccumulate the pesticides in their body tissues and therefore
minimise the public health risk that may be associated with BAT Iseyin Leaf
Agronomy operations.

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 The results of the monitoring exercise shall be collated on a yearly basis and
submitted to the relevant agency or in-house health, safety and environment (HSE)
committee (Table 4).

Table 4: Monitoring Plan

RESOURCES PARAMETERS TO BE Action FREQUENCY/DURATION
MONITORED Party OF MONITORING
Hydrobiology  Edible Fisheries BAT Once a year
 Arthropod populations
 Biodiversity – fishes,
planktons
Sediment  Pesticides BAT Once a year
 Soil Nutrients
Surface Water  pH BAT Twice a year
 Conductivity,
 TDS,
 TSS,
 DO,
 PO4,

 NO,
 BOD and
 Pesticides residue
Ground Water  Conductivity, BAT Once in a year
 TDS and
 Pesticides residue

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