ASSESSMENT OF AGROCHEMICALS RESIDUE IN FISH PONDS IN AGRICULTURAL AREAS OF IFUGAO PROVINCE

The physicochemical studies were conducted to assess the status of fish pond water and water bodies in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao for their suitability for fish production. Samples of water from five representative barangays and river points were collected and analyzed for physical parameter [pH (6.5 - 8.5), temperature (20°C - 25°C), dissolved oxygen and alkalinity] as well as biological parameter [Ammonia-N, total phosphorus (TP) and nitrate (NO3)]. Results revealed mean values for pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and alkalinity which are within the recommended values for aquaculture operation. . However, most of the values recorded in some of the fish ponds have increasing levels of these physical parameters. The result also revealed that means values recorded for ammonia-N, phosphorus and nitrate exceeded recommended levels (50 mg l-1). These high levels can be attributed to agrochemical inputs from the agricultural lands.