Concentrations of Organochlorine Pesticide (OCP) Residues in Environmental and Biota Samples from Azuabie and Okujagu Creeks, Upper Bonny Estuary, Nigeria
Keywords:
Upper Bonny Estuary, Carcinogenic, DDT, Aldrin, Food SafetyAbstract
This study evaluated the concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface water, sediment and biota (Oysters and Periwinkle) between August 2023 and June 2024. Samples were collected bimonthly from four stations located in Azuabie creek (AZ1 and AZ 2) and Okujagu Creek (OK 1 and OK2). Analysis for OCPs was accomplished using liquid-liquid extraction gas chromatographic method 1 (LL-EGC). Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis of the results. OCP values in surface water (Azuabie: 1.67±0.36 – 3,252.98±1,536.73ppb; Okujagu: 0.99±0.51 – 1,300.54±295.23ppb) did not differ significantly by location but were significant by time. OCP in sediment (Azuabie: 9.56±3.03 – 3,252.98±1,536.73ppb; Okujagu: 8.24±0.57 – 1,300.54±295.23ppb) varied significantly both by location and time. OCP values in both oysters (Azuabie: 10.36±4.34 – 882.79±232.34ppb; Okujagu: 8.69±0.54 – 971.91±94.03ppb) and periwinkles (Azuabie: 21.30±3.07 – 1.091.52±282.69ppb; Okujagu: 20.96±1.52 – 1,287.65±204.25ppb) were not significant by location but varied significantly by time. At Azuabie, there were significant correlations between the OCP concentrations in sediment and surface water; there were also significant correlations between sediment and Oyster and Periwinkle. At Okujagu, significant correlations were observed between the OCP concentrations in sediment and surface water, oyster and surface water, periwinkle and surface water, sediment and oyster, and periwinkle and oyster. The constituents recorded included Alpha-BHC, Beta-BHC, Gamma-BHC, Heptachlor, Delta-BHC, Aldrin, Heptachlor Epoxide, Alpha-Chlordane, Gamma-Chlordane, Endosulfan I, Endosulfan II, P,p’-DDE, P,p’-DDD, P,p’-DDT, Dieldrin, Endrin, Endrin Aldehyde, Endosulfan Sulfate, Methoxychlor and Endrin Ketone. The dermal hazard quotient for DDT, aldrin, alpha-chlordane and penta-chlorobenzene showed that the average values obtained were not carcinogenic (0.1ppm). Most of the individual OCP such as Alpha-BHC, Beta-BHC, Endrin, Endrin-aldehyde etc had values that exceeded the USEPA and WHO acceptable limits. This is of public health concern due to the bioaccumulation potential of the biota which are regularly consumed by the public. Preventive measures should therefore be taken to prevent continued pollution while aiding the recovery of both creeks. Measures should also be taken to ensure food safety among the population. In conclusion, the result for the toxicity limit for OCP ranged between 0.1 to 0.2 ppm which is within Occupational regulation government permissible limit of 0.1ppm and for PAH, it ranged between 1.7 to 5.1ppm which is also within OSHA limit of 0.02-6.68ppm. However, there is need for constant check and control so as to reduce it and ensure it does not exceed this limit .
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