Abstract
BackgroundEcological risk assessment of the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of the abandoned sections of Orji Mechanic Village, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The main objective of the study was to determine the levels of soil contamination from polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) due to anthropogenic events in the mechanic village before reclamation.ResultsAnalysis of soil samples revealed mean PAH levels ranging from 1.22E−02 ± 0.00 to 5.60E−02 ± 0.01 mg/kg, with higher PAH concentrations observed at 0–10 cm compared to other depths. The sum of PAHs (∑PAHs) ranged from 1.58E−01 to 6.71E−01 mg/kg, as the sum of low molecular weight PAHs (∑LPAHs) varied from 7.16E−03 to 1–1.60E−01 mg/kg, while the sum of high molecular weight PAHs (∑HPAHs) ranged from 1.81E−02 to 5.42E−01 mg/kg. The sum of carcinogenic PAHs (∑Carcino-PAHs) varied from 5.39E−01 to 9.74E−02 mg/kg, indicating elevated levels of carcinogens in the sampled soils. Diagnostic ratio, principal component, and correlation analysis of the results revealed that pyrogenic sources were primarily responsible for the observed PAHs owing to the activities of automobile mechanics in the Orji Mechanic Village. Benzo(a)pyrene equivalent (BePeq) of the PAHs indicated high carcinogenic potency for sample A. The total cancer risk was above 1 × 10–6, indicating a greater risk of cancer due to contact with the contaminated soil samples; hence, the result of this study is a serious ecological concern.ConclusionThere may be accumulation of these contaminants in the investigated area, which will eventually contaminate the groundwater as well as surface water resources. Remedial measures to prevent possible health problems due to the PAHs which results from the activities of automobile mechanics are therefore recommended.
Highlights
Ecological risk assessment of the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of the abandoned sections of Orji Mechanic Village, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
It was observed that higher mean concentrations of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were recorded at 0–10 cm compared to other depths (Fig. 2)
Elevated concentrations of the PAHs were observed in the topsoil (0–10 cm) compared to samples collected from other depths (10– 20 cm and 21–30 cm)
Summary
Ecological risk assessment of the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of the abandoned sections of Orji Mechanic Village, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Ibe et al Bull Natl Res Cent (2021) 45:18 around most automobile workshops, additional contamination may be due to mishandling of hydrocarbon products. This often happens when used engine oil is being removed from vehicle engines during servicing and some other repair works (Sharifi et al 2007). The mechanics and other artisans engaged in automobile repairs frequently dispose of or unintentionally discharged waste engine oils, lubricants, as well as organic solvents which may enrich their workshops and surroundings with petroleum hydrocarbon compounds (Obini et al 2013). Spent or waste engine oil contains a combination of diverse chemicals which include petroleum hydrocarbon compounds, chlorodibenzofurans, chlorinated biphenyls, additives, decomposed products, and metallic elements due to wearing of engine parts (ATSDR 1997; Wang et al 2018)
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