High Concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Found in Water and Sediments of Car Wash and Kisat Areas of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria-Kenya

Abstract

Mean concentrations of selected USEPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments and water samples from Car Wash and Kisat areas of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria in Kenya have been determined using GC-FID and GC-MS. Sampling was done during the rainy season in April 2006. The PAH concentrations in sediment and water ranged from 0.04 to 31.95 microg/g dry weight and 3.32 to 55.8 microg/L, respectively, depending upon the sampling location. The total concentration levels of PAHs in both the sediment and water phase in this study were found to be much higher compared with those reported from other regions worldwide, revealing significant PAH pollution of Car Wash and Kisat areas of Kisumu city bay as a consequent of anthropogenic activities as described in the text. The GC-detected PAHs were confirmed by GC-MS.

Dioxin-like PCBs and PCDD/Fs in surface sediments near the shore of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria

“…Recent research has shown that Lake Victoria is contaminated with pesticide residues, metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially the Winam Gulf part, where concentrations sometimes exceed the guideline limits for drinking water and aquatic life (Kwach and Lalah, 2009;Ongeri et al, 2009;Wasswa et al, 2011;Onyango et al, 2012). Some contaminants have also been detected in edible parts of the three most common fish species Nile perch (Lates niloticus), tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Darga (Rastrineobola argentea).…”

Properties of Concrete Mixes with Carwash Wastewater

“…Apart from that, car wash wastewater can be harmful to humans and the environment if released untreated to surface water-bodies because it may contain many pollutants such as detergents that can be poisonous to fish, oil, grease, sand, dust, chemicals and solventbased solutions, heavy metals and organic matter [8] [13][14] [20].Subsequently, the Environmental Pollution Agency raised public awareness on the impurities found in car wash wastewater such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) [17] [20][21][22][23]. Considering the gigantic amounts of effluent generated and its complex characteristics, reusing car wash wastewater is not only a process to manage environmental problems but is also a way to recover a significant amount of wastewater directly discharged into rivers and oceans [24][25][26][27][28][29].…”

Assessment of Environmental Sources, Levels and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons within Nzoia Catchment Area in Kenya

“…The environmental levels, sources and distribution of the sixteen priority PAHs 3.32 -55.8 µg/L Kenya Winam Gulf [21] sludge soil sample) had Ant, Pyr, BaP and InP in the range of 1.12 -8.0 µg/kg. This observation indicated that poor waste management contributes significantly to the introduction of PAHs to the respective segments of the environment.…”

“…Lack of sufficient data on PAHs pollution in soil, river water and sedi- [14] [15] [16] and compared in both the urban areas rather than those of rural areas [17] [18]. In Kenya, levels of PAHs in water and sediments [19] [20] [21] [22] [23], burning fuel biomass [24], urban air [5] have been previously reported. PAHs analysed in soil, water, sediments and other matrices can provide important information on the state of environmental pollution and the concentrations of individual PAHs in soil resulting mainly from motor vehicle exhaust that usually ranges between 1 and 2000 μg/kg [25].…”