The water quality impacts may be caused by the use of agrochemicals in intensive bioenergy feedstock production systems, such as the use of fertilisers which pose a risk for eutrophication. In addition, the feedstock processing plants to convert raw materials to bioenergy can also have impacts on water quality, although this will vary depending on a range of factors, including for example, biorefinery technology, effluent controls and water recycling practices (FAO, 2008; Fingerman et al., As a result sediment and nutrient pollution from agricultural land is likely to increase, particularly where maize is cultivated on marginal agricultural land which contributes to the highest nutrient loads.