PROFILE AND DISTRIBUTION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHs) IN WATER, SEDIMENTS, FISH AND PLANTS OF WARRI RIVER.

Abstract

This study was to identify the type, concentration and possible risk of exposure to PAHs in the water, sediments, fish and plants in Warri River as PAHs are ubiquitous in the environment and may threaten aquatic life. PAHs were identified and quantified in water, sediments, fish and plant samples from three sites (NPA, Pessu and Mclver) along the Warri River. The samples were analyzed by GC-FID to determine the type and concentrations of PAHs present in the river. The total PAH concentrations ranges from 0.060mg/L to 4.387mg/L for water samples, 0.666mg/kg to 71.498mg/kg for sediment samples, 0.222mg/kg to 0.376mg/kg for fish samples and 0.207mg/kg to 0.827mg/kg for plant samples respectively. The total PAH concentration in the sediment samples was highest when compared to that of water, fish and plant samples: Benzo(a)pyrene which is regarded as a potent animal and probable human carcinogen had a very high concentration of 14.286mg/kg in the sediment samples at NPA (shore). In addition Benzo(a)pyrene concentration in the analyzed fish samples exceeded the recommended EU (European Unit) limit of 0.002mg/kg for Fish considered safe for human consumption. However, these analyses indicates that PAH concentration observed in the analyzed samples could be dangerous to Humans and some aquatic organisms, Particularly during the early stages of development.