Assessment of the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Orogodo River sediments Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract. The study aimed at assessing the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) concentration in Orogodo River Sediments at Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. Sixteen sediment samples at different sample point were collected and analyzed; obtained concentrations were compared with exiting standards. Sediment samples were extracted using a mixture of hexane and acetone (1:1), sonicated in an ultrasonic bath (15 min) and placed on a shaker for two hours. Chromatographic analysis was done after solvent exchange, was carried out on the final extract using n-hexane (1000 μl) and injected (1 μl) into a gas chromatographic system coupled with an electron capture detector (ECD). Results from this study revealed that the concentration of PCBs in all the sediment samples under investigation was highest with 0.198 μg/kg in the Agric yard Agbor 2 sample point and lowest with 0.026 μg/kg in the Behind Prison -Agbor 1. The concentration of PCBs for all the sediment samples analyzed ranged in the order: Agric Yard Agbor 2 < Slaugther Agbor 2 < River Ama 1 < Mr. Biggs Agbor 1 < Behind Prison Agbor 2 < River Ama 2 < Mr. Biggs Agbor 3 < Under Bridge Agbor 1 < Mr. Biggs Agbor 2 < River Ama 4 < Agric Yard Agbor 1 < Mr. Biggs Agbor 4 < SlaugtherAgbor 1 < River Ama 3 < Under Bridge Agbor 2 < Behind Prison Agbor 1. The obtained results in this study suggest the urgent need to establish a program for monitoring organochlorine pollutants in our rivers and sediment in other to curb any elevation in concentration of pollutants over the environmental quality standards and appropriate actions taken.

Status of Discharged Abattoir Effluent and Its Effects on the Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Orogodo River, Delta State, Nigeria

“…Agricultural activities in the area are mostly carried out along the bank of the Orogodo River. Although Agbor and Owa may not be described as industrial communities, there exist pockets of industries (paint and foam industries) as well as many educational institutions whose wastes also find their way into the river [18]. Some physico-chemical characteristics of Orogodo River have been reported.…”

Study the regional and seasonal variation of polychlorinated biphenyl in sediments of the Eastern AL-Hammar Marshes, Iraq

“…The concentration of PCBs in water bodies has recently become a concern for water quality. This is because after entering a lake or river, they cling to organic matter, which is subsequently concentrated in the sediments (Edjere and Iyekowa, 2017). These organic components are then consumed by aquatic animals that live in the sediment, such as crustaceans, snails, and phytoplankton, which can lead to fish ingesting these organisms and absorbing PCBs.…”

Consideration of phthalates distribution in underground water in some selected regions in Delta State, Southern Nigeria

“…Large-volume injection (LVI) technique was used to introduce 10 μl of the sample solvent extract at an approximate rate of 4.6 µl/s into the injector. GC/MS was carried out according to procedure described by Institute Bachema Quality Management Guidelines as certified ISO 17025 [14][15][16]. The injector was kept at an initial temperature of 78 °C and rises to 300 °C at a heating rate of 5 °C/s.…”