Bioaccumulation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) in Water and Aquatic Organisms in Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
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Date
2025-12
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Lead City University Ibadan
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that cause global concern due to their toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity. This study examined the amounts of sixteen key PAHs in water and selected aquatic species (fish, crabs, and shrimp) from Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria, to determine the level of pollution, bioaccumulation, and potential health hazards. Samples were obtained from three lagoon sites with significant anthropogenic effect and compared to a selected control site beyond the direct impact zone. Standard techniques were used in laboratory analyses, and quantities were quantified before being analyzed statistically and for health risks. The results showed that all sixteen PAHs were detected in lagoon samples, but the control location had only insignificant or trace levels. Concentrations in water varied from 0.05 mg/kg for acenaphthylene to 18.89 mg/kg for benzo[g,h,i]perylene. Fish had the highest values of 17.86 mg/kg, crabs 17.23 mg/kg, and shrimp 16.45 mg/kg, with carcinogenic high molecular weight PAHs such as benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[g,h,i]perylene dominating across all matrices. The predominance of these chemicals clearly suggested pyrogenic inputs from fuel burning and industrial activity, with further contributions from petroleum waste. The health risk evaluation revealed that the hazard quotient (HQ) for numerous PAHs exceeded unity, indicating the possibility of non-carcinogenic consequences from seafood consumption. This research fills critical gaps in understanding trends and sources apportioment and it also addresses linking water and biota contamination levels with potential human risks. Comparisons with previous research in Nigeria and internationally revealed that PAH concentrations in Lagos Lagoon are much greater, indicating the cumulative influence of urbanization, petroleum activities, and inadequate waste management. This study offers baseline data on PAHs in Lagos Lagoon and advances understanding by establishing the amount of bioaccumulation in several aquatic species. The findings highlight the critical need for regulatory interventions, enhanced pollution control, and additional research into remediation solutions to maintain ecosystem integrity and human health.
Keywords: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Lagos Lagoon, aquatic organisms, bioaccumulation, and health risk assessment
Word Count: 289 words
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Keywords
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Lagos Lagoon, aquatic organisms, bioaccumulation, and health risk assessment
Citation
Kate Turabian