Baseline Airborne Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Levels Captured By Passive Sampling in Ikhueniro Dumpsite, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The concentrations of airborne polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) in a dumpsite in southern Nigeria was investigated. Air samples was collected monthly for a period of six months from June – August 2018 to October –December 2018 using passive air samplers equipped with polyurethane foam (PAS-PUF). ∑20 PCBs were determined, using gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and was found to be 6.232 ng/m3.  The levels of PCBs recorded at the dumpsite ranged from 0.014 ng/m3-0.337 ng/m3. The control site concentrations of PCBs ranged from not detected to 0.007 ng/m3. The congener distribution patterns indicates the dominance of lower chlorinated homologues (trichlorinated congeners contributing 26% of total PCBs and tetrachlorinated congeners contributing 42% of total PCBs). Large seasonal variation was recorded with higher total PCB concentration of  4.371 ng/m3 in dry season due to increased volatilization. The findings of this study have provided baseline information on the current airborne PCBs levels at Ikhueniro dumpsite.