Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Profiles Research Articles

Source Apportionment and Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Black Carbon Monitored in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to determine concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air samples in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria, evaluate their potential risks to human health and identify pollution sources by characterizing the PAHs. Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were measured with a total concentration range of 0 to 9,589 mg/kg in the rainy season and 0.46 to 131mg/kg range in the dry season. High molecular weight PAHs dominated the PAH profiles accounting for 91% in dry season and 45% in the wet season. The overall assessment of the ratios of LMW to HMW of minimum, maximum and mean concentrations indicated pyrogenic sources. Benzo (a) pyrene equivalent (BaPeq) analysis showed that benzo (a) pyrene, DiBenzo (a,h) antracene and Indeno (1.2.3-cd) pyrene contributed the highest cancer toxicity with 94% and 85% in wet and dry seasons, respectively. The total incremental lifetime cancer risks of PAHs ranged from 0 to 4.90 with a median value of 3.37 x10-2 in wet season; while in the dry season, ILCR of PAHs ranged from 1.62 x10-5 to 7.42x10-3 with a median value of 1.15 x 10-3 . These values showed pervasive pollution indicating a major carcinogenic risk of PAHs. Mean ILCR in wet season was 3.37 x10-2 (33,700 x10-6 ) meaning 1 in every 30 persons in the study area is estimated to develop cancer. In the dry season, mean ILCR was 1.15 x10-3 (1,150 x10-6 ) meaning 1 in every 870 persons in the study area is estimated to develop cancer.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and oxy- and nitro-PAHs in ambient air of the Arctic town Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Abstract. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are not declining in Arctic air despite reductions in their global emissions. In Svalbard, the Longyearbyen coal-fired power plant is considered to be one of the major local sources of PAHs. Power plant stack emissions and ambient air samples, collected simultaneously at 1 km (UNIS) and 6 km (Adventdalen) transect distance, were analysed (gaseous and particulate phases separately) for 22 nitro-PAHs, 8 oxy-PAHs, and 16 parent PAHs by gas chromatography in combination with single quadrupole electron capture negative ionization mass spectrometry (GC-ECNI-MS) and gas chromatography in combination with triple quadrupole electron ionization mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS/MS). Results confirm low levels of PAH emissions (∑16 PAHs =1.5 µg kg−1 coal) from the power plant. Phenanthrene, 9,10-anthraquinone, 9-fluorenone, fluorene, fluoranthene, and pyrene accounted for 85 % of the plant emission (not including naphthalene). A dilution effect was observed for the transect ambient air samples: 1.26±0.16 and 0.63±0.14 ng m−3 were the sum of all 47 PAH derivatives for UNIS and Adventdalen, respectively. The PAH profile was homogeneous for these recipient stations with phenanthrene and 9-fluorenone being most abundant. Multivariate statistical analysis confirmed coal combustion and vehicle and marine traffic as the predominant sources of PAHs. Secondary atmospheric formation of 9-nitroanthracene and 2+3-nitrofluoranthene was evaluated and concluded. PAHs partitioning between gaseous and particulate phases showed a strong dependence on ambient temperatures and humidity. The present study contributes important data which can be utilized to eliminate uncertainties in model predictions that aim to assess the extent and impacts of Arctic atmospheric contaminants.

Effects of Honey-Spices Marination on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heterocyclic Amines Formation in Gas-Grilled Beef Satay

The effects of honey-spices marination on simultaneous formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) in gas-grilled beef satay were investigated at different grilling temperatures (150 °C, 250 °C, and 350 °C). Beef satay samples used in this study were prepared using two types of honey-spices marination (Apis mellifera-spices and Trigona sp.-spices). Quantifications of fifteen PAHs using high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) and nine HCAs using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) were performed with gradient programme. Results on PAHs and HCAs in marinated samples were compared with control. Highest concentrations (p < 0.05) of PAHs (marinated beef satay) and HCAs (control) were detected at 350 °C. The most prominent PAH and HCA were phenanthrene (24.61–84.36 ng/g) and 9H-pyrido-[4,3-b]indole (Norharman) (2.67–393.89 ng/g). Marination significantly (p < 0.05) reduced naphthalene, fluorene, pyrene, 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AαC), 1-methyl-9H-pyrido-[4,3-b]indole (Harman), and Norharman in gas-grilled beef satay across all temperatures. Overall, inverse quantitative profiles of PAHs and HCAs formation were observed in marinated gas-grilled beef satay.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Baltic Sea — Pre-industrial and industrial developments as well as current status

We report on Baltic Sea polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pressure based on the U.S. EPA PAHs in view of millennial and decadal developments utilizing data from sediment deposits and seawater. Pre-industrial PAH contents ranged from 500 to 4500 ng/g TOC. Maximum PAH contents were up to 100,000 ng/g TOC and date back to the 1960s to 1970s with maximum pollutant inputs. Contemporary sediment PAH contents with 10,000 to 35,000 ng/g TOC and seawater concentrations with about 1 to 16 ng/l show spatial variability due to different local inputs and sediment characteristics. Pre-industrial compositional change from low molecular weight to high molecular weight (HMW) PAH indicates changing sources from mostly petroleum to combustion. Application of diagnostic ratios reveals petroleum and combustion as contemporary PAH sources and that traffic emissions continuously contribute to the Baltic PAH profile. Medium to high toxicological risk to the marine community might arise from current HMW PAH contents.

Human impacts on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon distribution in Chinese intertidal zones

The intertidal zone—a transitional boundary between terrestrial and marine environments—has important ecological functions, and receives polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from human activities, but how and to what extent anthropogenic factors influence the distribution of PAHs in this important niche remain largely unknown. Here we measured the distribution of United States Environmental Protection Agency priority PAHs in samples of intertidal sediments from across more than 4,500 km of China’s coastline. The total PAH concentrations ranged from 2.3 to 1,031.7 ng g−1 sediment (dry weight) and all PAHs showed positive correlations with total organic carbon (TOC). TOC-normalized high-molecular-weight (HMW) PAH concentrations, but not TOC-normalized low-molecular-weight (LMW) PAHs, were positively correlated with TOC. Moreover, population size and economic development influenced TOC-normalized HMW PAH concentrations, whereas urbanization had a major influence on TOC-normalized LMW PAHs. Human activities also indirectly influenced TOC-normalized PAH concentrations by affecting TOC. In sum, our investigation provides continental-scale evidence that human activities have key and differential effects on the distribution and deposition of PAHs in intertidal sediments, and shows that pollution status and profile of PAHs can be used to index regional industrialization and urbanization status. Little is known about how human factors influence the patterns of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the intertidal zone, a transitional boundary between terrestrial and marine environments. This study shows that human activities affect both the distribution and the deposition of PAHs.

Leukemia and PAHs levels in human blood serum: Preliminary results from an adult cohort in Greece

This study focused on the evaluation of any possible relationship of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their hydroxylated derivatives, originated from different anthropogenic activities, with leukemia via determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons levels in human blood serum. It attempts to provide a sufficient profile of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives in leukemia patients (cases) and healthy donors (controls) in Greece, for which pertinent data is lacking. The determination was applied to 198 serum samples, including cases and controls. Demographic and environmental data, such as age, gender, smoking habits and area of residence were subjected to clustered analysis during the statistical treatment of the results. The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference between cases and controls regarding polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations, with phenanthrene, fluorene and acenaphthene being the most abundant compounds (<19 ng mL−1). The same difference was also observed for hydroxylated derivatives measured in cases of acute leukemia and controls, with 1-hydroxy phenanthrene and 1-hydroxy pyrene appearing more enriched, with their median concentrations calculated at 11.3 and 7.6 ng mL−1, respectively. Source apportionment tools were employed for the evaluation of any potential associations among polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and several parameters. Molecular diagnostic ratios, applied in the classified data, indicated mainly that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons detected particularly in patients from rural sites could be originated from wood, grass or biomass burning. Principal Component Analysis, performed for overall and classified data, indicated a bioaccumulation of high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with age and chronic types of leukemia and a possible common origin of these toxic compounds in cases of smokers living in industrial residence areas.

PAH Profiles in Suspended Particulate Matter from an Urbanized River Within the Brazilian Amazon

The distribution, seasonal variation and sources of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from suspended particulate matter (SPM) of the Aurá River, a small amazon typical river located in Northern Brazil, were determined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of SPM revealed a mixture of PAH from different origins and a seasonal variation of PAH primary source for the studied area. Pyrene was the dominant PAH in both studied periods. Total PAH content (ΣPAH) ranged from lower than quantification limit (< LOQ) to 2498.2ngg-1 dw during the dry season and < LOQ to 2865.8ngg-1 dw during the wet season. Low molecular weight PAH (LMW) represented 51% of ΣPAH during the dry season and 29% during the wet season. It was noted, by comparing previous data, that the main source of these compounds was altered after the deactivation of an irregular landfill next to the river.

The integration of fatty acid biomarkers of trophic ecology with pollutant body-burdens of PAHs and PCBs in four species of fish from Sabine Lake, Texas

This study investigated whether the composition of fatty acids in hepatic tissue of four fish species from Sabine Lake (TX), influenced hepatic body-burdens of pollutants. The multivariate correlations between hepatic body-burdens of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and twenty-nine polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), with thirty-seven fatty acids was studied. The trophic ecology of fish was determined using stomach content analysis and by comparing characteristic fatty acid profiles. The fish species studied included: bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas), alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula), red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), and gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus). Assessment of fish stomach contents demarcated catfish and red drum (mainly invertebrate diet) vs. alligator gars and bull sharks (mainly teleost diet). Elevated levels (45× higher) of nervonic acid (24:1n9) also placed the trophic ecology of catfish and red drum closer to the base of the marine/estuarine food web of Sabine Lake, as compared to alligator gars and bull sharks. PAH profiles showed a predominance of low molecular weight PAHs (≤3 aromatic rings) in catfish, red drum and alligator gars. Bull sharks exhibited the highest levels for select high molecular weight PAHs (≥ 4 aromatic rings). The overall predominance of low molecular weight PAHs indicated exposure to mainly petrogenic sources of PAHs. Bull sharks and alligator gars also exhibited the highest body-burdens of PCBs. The risk assessment of dioxin-like PCBs showed median toxic equivalent (TEQ) values in bull sharks to be the highest, and above the upper toxicity thresholds for adverse effects in fish and aquatic mammals. The multivariate correlational analysis of pollutant body-burdens and fatty acid levels showed no clear correlation of the pollutants with any particular type of fatty acid (unsaturated vs. saturated, short-chain vs. very-long chain). This result indicates that pollutant bioaccumulation was not associative with the specific fatty acid composition of lipids in the fish from Sabine Lake.

Similar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and genotoxicity profiles of atmospheric particulate matter from cities on three different continents.

The extractable organic material (EOM) from atmospheric total suspended particles (TSP) contains several organic compounds including non-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkyl-PAHs, and nitro-PAHs. These chemicals seem to be among the key drivers of TSP genotoxicity. We have shown previously that the mutagenic potencies of the EOM from Limeira, Stockholm, and Kyoto, cities with markedly different meteorological conditions and pollution sources are similar. Here we compare the profiles of non-substituted PAHs (27 congeners), alkyl-PAHs (15 congeners), and nitro-PAHs (7 congeners) from the same EOM samples from these cities. We also compared the genotoxicity profiles using comet and micronucleus assays in human bronchial epithelial cells. The profiles of PAHs, as well as the cytotoxic and genotoxic potencies when expressed in EOM, were quite similar among the studied cities. It seems that despite the differences in meteorological conditions and pollution sources of the cities, removal, mixing, and different atmospheric transformation processes may be contributing to the similarity of the PAHs composition and genotoxicity profiles. More studies are required to verify if this would be a general rule applicable to other cities. Although these profiles were similar for all three cities, the EOM concentration in the atmospheres is markedly different. Thus, the population of Limeira (∼10-fold more EOM/m3 than Stockholm and ∼6-fold more than Kyoto) is exposed to higher concentrations of genotoxic pollutants, and Kyoto's population is 1.5-fold more exposed than Stockholm's. Therefore, to reduce the risk of human exposure to TSP genotoxins, the volume of emissions needs to be reduced.

Nationwide health risk assessment of juvenile exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the water body of Chinese lakes

The high emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pose a serious threat to the lake ecosystem and human health, and the human health risk assessment of PAH exposure is expected as an urgent project in China. This paper focused on 44 Chinese lakes in 6 lake zones to investigate the occurrence, composition and source of 19 PAHs in water body and estimate the human health risk under PAH exposure. The “List of PAH Priority Lakes” in China was generated based on the combination of incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model and Monte Carlo simulation. Our results showed that the Σ17 PAHs ranged from 3.75 ng·L−1 to 368.68 ng·L−1 with a median of 55.88 ng·L−1. Low-ring PAHs were the predominant compounds. PAH profiles varied significantly at lake zone level. Diagnostic ratios showed that PAHs might derive from petroleum and coal or biomass combustion. Benzo[a]pyrene-equivalent toxic concentrations (BaPeq) of the Σ17 PAHs ranged from 0.07 ng·L−1 to 2.26 ng·L−1 (0.62 ± 0.52 ng·L−1, mean ± standard deviation) with a median of 0.47 ng·L−1. Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and benzo[e]pyrene (BeP) were the main toxic isomers. Juvenile exposure to PAHs via oral ingestion (drinking) and dermal contact (showering) had negligible and potential health risks, respectively. Juveniles were the sensitive population for PAH exposure. 15 lakes were screened into the “List of PAH Priority Lakes” in three priority levels: first priority (Level A), moderate priority (Level B) and general priority (Level C). Lake Taihu, Lake Chaohu and Lake Hongze were the extreme priority lakes. Optimizing the economic structures and reducing the combustion emissions in these areas should be implemented to reduce the population under potential health risk of PAHs.

Emission characteristics and potential toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in particulate matter from the prebaked anode industry

The emission factors (EFs) and source profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) from the prebaked anode industry were studied to fill the knowledge gap and provide data for emission inventory and source resolution. In 2018, three prebaked anode plants were selected in Central China, each having one calcining chimney as well as one baking chimney, and then 92 samples were collected from the stack gas of the six chimneys. The results of the study are as follows. (1) PM10 and PM2.5 from the prebaked anode industry contained 37–42% water-soluble ions, 16–20% elements, 11–17% organic carbon, and 9.2–14% elemental carbon. (2) The EFs for PAHs of PM10 and PM2.5 were 1146.1 ± 899.7 and 866.2 ± 1179.8 mg/(t aluminum produced), respectively. The EF for BaP was seven times lower than that given by the European Environment Agency (EEA), whereas those of BbF, BkF, and IcdP were 2–13 times higher than those given by the EEA. (3) Seven diagnostic ratios for PAHs, including Ant/(Ant+Phe), Flua/(Flua+Pyr), BaA/(BaA + Chr), IcdP/(IcdP+BghiP), Flu/(Flu+Pyr), Phe/Ant and BaA/Chr were discussed. Just by diagnostic ratio, it is hard to precisely distinguish between calcining and baking in prebaked industry. (4) The toxic equivalence of PMs in the baking stack gas in the prebaked anode industry was five times higher than that in the calcining stack gas, and PM2.5 showed higher potential toxicity risk than PM10.

Organic pollutants in sedimentary microplastics from eastern Guangdong: Spatial distribution and source identification.

Microplastics have a strong affinity for potentially toxic organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Since 2005, the International Pellet Watch used plastic pellets to monitor hydrophobic organic contaminants in marine environments. We examined the spatial distribution and sources of 16 PAHs and eight OCPs on microplastics (pellets, fragments, and foam) collected from eastern Guangdong beaches with the goal of evaluating the feasibility of exclusively using pellets in global monitoring of hydrophobic organic contaminants. The ∑PAH and ∑OCP concentrations ranged from 11.2 to 7710ngg-1 and 2.2-1970ngg-1, respectively. Although inter-site and regional differences were insignificant in fragments and foam, regional differences were observed in ∑OCP concentrations on pellets samples collected at the estuary mouth and the distributary (p<0.05). No regional difference in ∑PAH concentration on microplastics was observed, except between fragments from the remote beach and those from the distributary (p=0.015) and the estuary mouth (p=0.015). The compositional profiles of PAHs revealed that PAHs with 2-4 rings were more dominant than those with >4 rings. Considering low molecular weight PAHs are less hydrophobic and more toxic; the results suggest low molecular weight PAHs may pose a significant risk to marine organisms. This study shows that the International Pellet Watch could offer critical data on source and transport of microplastic-associated OCPs but may overlook critical vehicles of PAHs in coastal environments such as foam.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon, Microbial Safety and Heavy Metal Profile of Smoke-Dried Grass Cutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) Meat

Food safety is a global phenomenon. The public has become more concerned about the risks from food hazards in recent years. This study was carried out to evaluate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profiles, microbial safety and heavy metal concentrations of smoke-dried grass cutter meat samples purchased from different processing and marketing centers in Osun State, Nigeria. A total of 60 smoke-dried grass cutter meat samples were randomly collected between February and April, 2019. Smoke-dried grass cutter meat samples purchased from different processing and marketing centers were analyzed to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profile, microbial safety and heavy metal concentrations. The results revealed existence of significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profile, microbial safety and heavy metal concentrations of smoke-dried grass cutter meat samples purchased from different processing and marketing centers. The concentrations of carcinogenic PAHs, acenaphthene (Acy), fluorine (Fln), 1,2-Benzanthracene (1,2-BAnt), phenanthrene, pyrene (Pyr), anthracene (Ant), fluoranthene (Flan), benzo[a]anthracene (B[a]A), chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]FA), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), benzo[ghi]perylene (B[ghi]P) and indeno[1,2,3-cd]anthracene (ID[1,2,3-cd]A) in smoke-dried grass cutter meat samples from different processing and marketing centers exceeded the maximum limit of 2 μgkg−1 of B[a]P in meat products approved by European Commission regulations (EU) No. 1881/2006 and 835/2011. In this study, Escherichia coli, Salmonella paratyphi, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter jejuni were detected in all the samples analyzed. In all cases, the presence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella paratyphi, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter jejuni suggests poor manufacturing practices and fecal contamination of the products as Salmonella paratyphi and Escherichia coli serve as indicator organisms for fecal contamination of foods. The values of the heavy metals obtained in the study were generally below the maximum acceptable limits set by World Health Organization for Pb (0.3 ppm), Hg (0.2 ppm), As (0.2 ppm), Cd (0.2 ppm) and Cr (0.5 ppm) and hence pose no risk to consumers.

Impact of forest fires on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations and stable carbon isotope compositions in burnt soils from tropical forest, Nigeria

Forest fire has been fingered as an important source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment. One of the major causes of global warming is expected increase in wildfire frequencies and intensities. Studying the quantity and speciation of PAHs emanating from different burn intensities has significant implications for environmental quality and global soil dynamics. The levels and distribution profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils from a tropical rain forest in Nigeria that has witnessed series of seasonal wild fire were investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The concentrations of PAHs in the fire affected soils ranged from 104.36 to 1868.93 ng/g (average: 713.36 ng/g). The average value of PAHs concentrations in the soil samples were higher than the values reported in similar soils from other region of the world. The soils samples composed predominantly of higher amount of light PAHs with two to three rings, suggesting direct emissions from biomass burning. Source diagnostic indices established that the PAHs were mainly from combustion sources. The soil samples showed enriched δ13C (−17.7 to −20.8‰) as compared to control soil samples (−25.6 to −26.2‰). Given the high erodibility of wildfire ash owing to its physico-chemical properties, the emerging PAHs from them can be easily transported to rivers and reservoirs where they could impact the aquatic food chain and drinking water sources.

Phase distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their oxygenated and nitrated derivatives in the ambient air of a Brazilian urban area☆

Air quality in large cities has worsened in recent years as a consequence people’s health is directly affected. Among the toxic compounds released to environmental air are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrated PAHs (nitro-PAHs), and oxygenated PAHs (oxy-PAHs). Performant methods to analyze these compounds is necessary to enable adequate monitoring of air quality. Thus, this manuscript presents the development of a highly sensitive method to analyze PAHs, nitro-PAHs, and oxy-PAHs collected from ambient air (PM2.5) and the gas phase for a period of one year in the urban area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. PAHs and their derivatives were extracted by cold fiber solid phase microextraction (CF-SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The proposed method allows simultaneous analysis of 16 PAHs, nitro-PAHs and oxy-PAHs, presenting very good limits of detection and quantification, as well as appropriate precision and recovery. The results obtained for the period of one year allowed different studies. The compounds collected simultaneously from gas and particulate phase showed that total concentration of 16 PAHs were higher in the gas phase than in the particulate. On the other hand, nitro-PAHs and oxy-PAHs presented similar concentration in gas and particulate phases. The potential carcinogenicity of PAHs relative to benzo[a]pyrene showed benzo[a]pyrene equivalents of 0.49 ng m−3. The estimated risk of lifetime lung cancer was 5 × 10−5. Principal component analysis and diagnostic ratio was applied for source distribution indicating that burning of gasoline, diesel and biomass accounted for the PAHs profile in ambient air samples.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Profile, Chemical Composition and Acceptability of Suya (a West African Grilled Meat)

This study was carried out to investigate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profiles, chemical composition and acceptability of suya. Meats from cow, goat, sheep and chicken were processed into suya samples and analyzed to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon profile, proximate composition, quality indices and sensory values. The results showed that benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), benzo[a]anthracene (B[a]A), benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]FA), benzo[ghi]perylene (B[ghi]P) and dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DB[a,h]A) suya smples from cow, goat, sheep and chicken meat were 5.74 ± 1.00, 5.72 ± 1.10, 5.87 ± 1.00, 5.91 ± 1.00, 6.19 ± 2.00; 5.29 ± 1.00, 5.38 ± 1.01, 5.52 ± 1.00, 5.03 ± 1.00, 5.73 ± 1.20; 5.32 ± 1.01, 5.49 ± 1.00, 5.41 ± 1.00, 5.12 ± 1.00, 5.91 ± 1.01 and 5.08 ± 1.00, 5.02 ± 1.00, 5.03 ± 1.00, 4.97 ± 1.00; 5.14 ± 1.00 respectively. This study also showed that suya samples prepared from different meat sources contain high concentrations of carcinogenic PAHs, (B[a]P), (B[a]A), (B[b]FA), (B[ghi]P) and (DB[a,h]A) above the EU maximum level of 5.0 µg kg−1 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 as amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No 835/2011 of 19 August 2011) for B[a]P permitted in grilled or barbecued meat. The high concentrations of carcinogenic PAHs in suya samples could endanger the lives of consumers and therefore of public health concern. However, the quality indices such as peroxide values (mgeq.peroxide/kg), free fatty acidity (%), thiobarbituric acid (mMol/kg), and total volatile base-N (mgN/kg) are also within maximum acceptable limits and legislative standards. The high sensory values obtained for the suya samples also suggested that the suya samples from different meat sources are also acceptable to the consumers.

Background levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and legacy organochlorine pesticides in wheat sampled in 2017 and 2018 in Poland

Both polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and legacy organochlorine insecticides (OCPs), including DDT, are dangerous chemical contaminants. The aims of this study were to (i) determine background levels of PAHs and legacy OCPs for wheat samples collected in 2017 and 2018 in Poland, (ii) identify differences between levels in wheat harvested in various regions of Poland, (iii) evaluate differences in contamination sources manifested by the profiles of the identified chemicals, (iv) identify possible correlations between different classes of chemicals present in wheat, and (v) assess the health risks associated with the presence of PAHs and OCPs in Polish wheat. Average concentrations found in the samples were 0.09 ± 0.03 μg kg−1 for benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (formerly used as a single PAH marker), 0.43 ± 0.16 for the more recently introduced collective PAH 4 marker (benzo[a]anthracene + benzo[a]pyrene + chrysene + benzo[b]fluoranthene), and 1.07 ± 0.68 μg kg−1 for DDT and its metabolites. The PAH profiles indicated contamination from combustion-related emission sources (liquid fossil fuels, coal, biomass). Health risks associated with the presence of PAHs and OCPs in cereals were assessed using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. The MOE values calculated based on the highest concentrations found in this study exceeded 50,000 for both BaP and PAH 4. The calculated worst-case scenario value for DDT and metabolites was as low as 0.3% of the respective tolerable daily intake (TDI) value. Assessment of dietary risk has shown that the presence of the two contaminant classes in Polish wheat grains is of low concern.

Profile of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil Environment around Selected Auto-Technicians’ Workshop in ObioAkpor, Rivers State Nigeria

A study on the storage and disposal practices of spent oil from Automobile workshops in ObioAkpor Local Government Area of Rivers state was conducted to determine the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil samples. Questionnaire was administered and a total of 150 autotechnicians were sampled. Taro Yamani formula was used to determine the sample size. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0 - 15 cm from 8 randomly selected sites and analyzed for PAH. Control consisted of a similar soil with no history of spent oil-contamination. Results showed that autotechnicians had little or no formal education. Only 51% of respondents had secondary/technical education. 94% of the study population disposed of their generated spent oil in various types of containers before disposal. 94% disposed of their spent oil by selling. 60% of the autotechnicians were not aware that spent oil was hazardous. More so, 76% were not aware that spent oil could be recycled. Analysis of soil samples showed that mean concentration of PAH was lower than the DPR standard in all locations. Control values did not show any consistent pattern when compared with the test values in all locations. Soil contamination by PAH in the study area ranged from minor to severe. The automobile workshops pose potential sources of PAH pollution. The study recommends enactment and enforcement of legislations to control the management of spent oil.

Enrichment and determination of sixteen trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in barbecue smoke by using a continuous magnetic solid‐phase extraction and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry

AbstractIn this study, an innovative approach is proposed to predict the contribution of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in barbecue smoke based on magnetic solid‐phase extraction system and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. In order to improve the detection limit of gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, a kinds of magnetic nanomaterial synthesized previously was used as a sorbent in magnetic solid‐phase extraction. The recoveries ranged from 73.4% to 90.7%, and the limits of detection and limits of quantification were in the range 1.2‐5.4 ng·L−1 and 3.7‐16.4 ng·L−1 respectively. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in smoke of the pork belly. The developed method could be potentially used for the assessing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons profiles in environment pollution.

Potential sources and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in street dusts of Karaj urban area, northern Iran.

In the present study chemical fingerprinting approach (isomeric ratios), a receptor-oriented model (principal component analysis with multiple linear regression, PCA/MLR) and a probabilistic health risk framework were employed to characterization, source appointment and carcinogenic risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in street dusts of Karaj urban area (northern Iran). Thirty street dusts samples were collected from the different functional areas in the city of Karaj and analyzed for PAHs by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GS/MS). The results obtained showed that ∑16PAHs concentrations varied widely from 16.2 to 1236.2 with a mean of 624μg/kg and decreased in the following order of functional areas; traffic> residential > green/park areas. PAHs profile in the majority of dust samples were dominated by 5-6 rings PAHs, accounting for 25%-95% of the total PAHs. Qualitative source apportionment using the molecular isomeric ratios indicated mixed sources of PAHs in street dusts while PCA/MLR receptor model quantitatively identified three major sources with following relative contributions to the total dust PAH burden; 51% for pyrogenic-traffic sources, 32% for traffic-stationary sources and, 16% for petrogenic sources. The results of health risk assessment based on probabilistic model indicated that at the 95% percentiles, total cancer risks for children and adults are 8.43 × 10-4 and 3.34 × 10-5, respectively which both are higher than the acceptable baseline (10-6) indicating potential carcinogenic risk for local residents. It was also revealed that dust ingestion pathway is the most important contributor to the total carcinogenic risks of PAHs for both children and adults although the cancer risk level for adults through dermal and inhalation was 10 times greater than that for children. Based on the sensitivity analysis using the Monte Carlo simulation, benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration, exposure duration, dermal exposure area and ingestion rate were found to be the most sensitive exposure parameters which could introduce uncertainties into the cancer risk estimated.