Browsing by Author "Bayonle Bukunmi OPALADE"

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    Assessment and Distributions of Phthalates Esters (PAEs) in Groundwater at Gbagi General Market in Ibadan
    (Lead City University Ibadan, 2025-12) Bayonle Bukunmi OPALADE
    Phthalate esters (PAEs) are emerging contaminants widely used in plastics and consumers products. Their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and endocrine disrupting properties pose significant risks to environmental and human health. This study assessed the concentrations, spatial distribution, and associated health risks of selected PAEs in groundwater around Gbagi General Market, Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of 8 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The targeted PAEs includes diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Results showed that DEHP had the highest mean concentration of 5.73 µg/L, followed by DBP at 2.65 µg/L, BBP at 1.12 µg/L, DEP at 0.07µg/L, and DMP at 0.03 µg/L. Several samples exceeded the World Health Organization’s permissible limit for DEHP in drinking water (8 µg/L), with one sample recording as high as 12.8 µg/L. Spatial analysis revealed contamination hotspots near plastic waste dumps and drainage channels within the market. The cancer risk assessment revealed that although the estimated carcinogenic risks (CR) for both adults and children were within the acceptable range defined by (USEPA) threshold of 1 × 10⁻⁶ to 1 × 10⁻⁴, children exhibited higher lifetime cancer risks compared to adults. DEHP a known probable human carcinogen, was the dominant contributor to the overall cancer risk, primarily through oral ingestion. This study demonstrates the significant chemical burden posed by PAEs in urban groundwater, likely due to improper plastic waste disposal and intense commercial activity. The findings call for urgent regulatory intervention, improved market sanitation, and public awareness. It also provides essential baseline data for environmental health surveillance and supports development of policies targeting groundwater safety in Nigeria’s commercial centers. Keywords: Phthalates, Bioaccumulation, Persistence, groundwater, Gbagi Market. Word count: 279