The Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) and Some Heavy Metals in Ibagwa, River, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Baseline, Polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbon, Ibagwa, Salinity, StandardsAbstract
This study assesses the levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and some Heavy Metals in the water body and Sediment of Ibagwa River were. The samples were collected using standard analytical sample methods during the dry season. The samples were analyzed for the determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals using gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry (GC - MS) and Atomic Absorption spectrophotometry respectively. PH, salinity, electrical conductivity and temperature were also assessed using standard methods. Results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis such as standard deviation and error. The concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples was negligible while in sediment, the following were recorded Acenaphthalene (0.22 ppm), Anthracene (0.37 ppm), and Pyrene (0.45 ppm). These values were moderately above the World Health Organization (WHO) maximum permissible limits (0.002 ppm) for water. The concentration range of the Heavy Metals of both water and sediment was 0.07 – 44.30 mg/kg. These values were above the World Health Organization and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (WHO/NESREA) standards (0.001-5.0 mg/kg). While some heavy metals were below the Dutch Water Quality Standards (DWQS) for freshwater sediment. Other analyzed parameters results were as follows: pH (6.35 – 7.69), salinity (0.00 – 0.01 %), electrical conductivity (16.64 – 117.4 µS/cm) and temperature (27.5 – 27.9 OC). This study has provided baseline information on the levels of PAHs and some Heavy Metals in Ibagwa River. Hence there is need for routine monitoring and remediation for a safer and healthier environment.
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