Concentration, source apportionment and ring size analysis of polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water from Kolo Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Water samples were collected from Kolo Creek between the months of December to October and analyzed for the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The analysis for the PAHs was achieved through the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis after extraction with dichlomethane and n-hexane solvents has been carried out. The result indicated that all the PAHs components were identified in the creek in the stations and the months. It was observed that the PAHs were more abundant in the dry months than the wet months. The values were December (11.140 mg/L) > February (9.130 mg/L) > April (4.06 mg/L) > August (2.310 mg/L) > (2.220 mg/L) > June (2.060 mg/L). Source Identification and apportionment gave both pyrogenic and petrogenic sources of PAHs contamination, although pyrogenic source was the dominant one. Ring size analysis indicated their abundance in the following order 2-3 rings (1.824±0.775 mg/L) > 4 rings (1.148±0.198 mg/L) > 5 rings (1.115±0.422 mg/L) >6 rings (0.875±0.951 mg/L). The concentrations of PAHs in Kolo Creek if allowed to continue will grow beyond threshold levels that may have detrimental consequences on man and the immediate environment in the near future. Therefore, regulatory efforts be put in place to curb such eventuality.