Abstract
PAHs in the Lagos lagoon are high enough to raise concern over possible adverse effects on aquatic organisms and human health. Their spatial distribution in the sediment was largely dependent on the proximity of the sediment deposition site to known sources of pollution. Due to their tendency to accumulate in sediments at the bottom of the food chain, PAHs in the lagoon could pose a toxicological threat to benthic organisms and their predators. In this study, the PAH levels in the sediments of the lagoon at twelve locations were evaluated. This work is a follow-up on an earlier paper showing the levels of PAHs in the water samples of the lagoon. All sixteen EPA priority PAHs were found in eight of the locations. Significant amounts of most of the PAHs were found in all the sediments throughout the year. The higher PAHs were more abundant and distributed across the lagoon. Bioavailability assessment revealed that the PAHs were not bioavailable. Adjusted Equilibrium Sediment Benchmark Toxic Units ΣESBTU revealed that the lagoon sediments at all the locations were not toxic to aquatic life.
Highlights
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed of two or more benzene rings
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) vary in their behavior and biological effects, the lower molecular weight PAHs (2- and –3- ring compounds) tend to be more water soluble, more volatile, more readily metabolized and more persistent, whereas higher molecular weight PAHs (4 –7 – ring compounds) are less water soluble, less volatile, less readily metabolized and more persistent as reported by [1]
The results revealed that the appearance of the sediments is a poor indicator of individual PAH concentrations
Summary
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed of two or more benzene rings. As the molecular weight of these compounds increases, solubility in lipids increases and resistance to oxidation and reduction decreases [1]. PAHs occur naturally in bituminous fossil fuels, such as coal and crude oil deposits, as a result of diagnosis. Volcanic activity and biosynthesis by bacteria and plants are other natural sources of PAHs. According to [2], environmental sources of PAHs of Pyrolitic origin are many. According to [2], environmental sources of PAHs of Pyrolitic origin are many These sources include terrigenous, urban, and riverine inputs, industrial, agricultural, sewage discharges, atmospheric deposition, shipping traffic and other anthropogenic inputs [3] and [4]. Other sources which include algae, phytoplankton, and zooplankton were reported by [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Analysis
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
