Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Soils of Selected Villages in Ahoada West, Rivers State, Nigeria

Udiomine Brantley Akuru; Kenibolayefa Michael Owota; Shadrach Chimbadiyalem Nicholas

doi:10.70110/osse.v3i1.34

Authors

Udiomine Brantley Akuru Department of Biochemistry, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Kenibolayefa Michael Owota Department of Geography, Niger Delta University, Amasomma, Nigeria
Shadrach Chimbadiyalem Nicholas Department of Biochemistry, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70110/osse.v3i1.34

Keywords:

Ahoada West, Illegal bunkering, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Soil pollutants

Abstract

Background: Environmental contamination brought about by human and natural activities is one of the biggest issues facing some villages in Rivers State today. Contamination could be as a result of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons which are persistent in the soil environment and have harmful effects on organisms.
Aims: The objective of the study was to assess the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons levels in the soils of three communities (Akinima, Oruama and Joinkrama 4(JK4) in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Methods: Materials and Methods: Soil samples from various depths (0-5cm, 0-10cm, and 0-15cm) were examined using Gas Chromatography (GC) to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentration. To determine if there was significant difference between the groups, statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance at 5% probability. Significant means were tested with Tukey Test.
Result: The results revealed significant variations in concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons across the communities and depths. Results from Joinkrama 4(JK4) show the highest levels for most of the depths. Benzo(ghi)pyrene was below detectable limit for Akinima in all the depths. The Ʃ16PAHs for the communities was in the range (ppm) 2709.25-13742.78, 2136.59-9734.23, 3658.61- 14101.53 for 0-5,0-10 and 0-15 cm, respectively.
Conclusion: Notably, PAH concentrations were above WHO guideline in all communities posing potential health risk. The study concludes that the analyzed soil samples accumulate PAHs which may result to significant environmental and health threats.

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