Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Nigeria's environment: A review

Abstract

The occurrence and levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Nigeria's environment were reviewed in this study. A survey of the literature showed that a considerable number of reports exist on the presence of PAHs in Nigerian soil, water and sediments. Information on the presence of PAHs in the country's air- shed exists but in very limited number. The sources of PAHs are ubiquitous and their concentrations in the country's environment are above the permissible limit set for the pollutant by European Union, the United Kingdom, China and the World Health Organization in most instances. There is practically an absence of regulatory standards for PAHs in ambient air and soil in Nigeria. More studies on source apportionment are needed to be able to ascertain the sources of PAHs and their respective contributions to ambient air concentration. Considering the ubiquitous sources of PAHs, their reported elevated levels in the few publications available in the literature and their carcinogenic and mutagenic tendencies, there is the need for policy makers to drive research on PAHs in Nigeria with a view to setting regulatory standards for the individual carcinogenic PAHs as well as the total PAHs concentrations allowable in different media. Due to the low level of public awareness on the risks and hazards associated with an exposure to PAHs, there is a need to deepen advocacies on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their public health concerns.