Investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons deposition on selected agricultural products dried in local kitchens and roadsides, Wukari, Nigeria

Bando Christopher David^ab*; Ikwebe Joseph^b; Imo chinedu^b; Jummai Adamu Tutuwa^c; Jesse Shingu Polly^a; Odiba Emmanuel Ogu^a; Imbasire Nuhu^a; Tsoken Danji Agbu^a; Rejoice Habila Tadawas^a

Page No.20-38

Environmental pollution due to anthropogenic activities and mode of preservation has posed great menace on agricultural products. As a case study, this work was aimed to investigate the levels of heavy metals PAHs (Pyrene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene, Fluoranthene, Indo(1,2,3-cd)pyrene and Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene) depositions on selected agricultural products that are either stored at the rooftop of local Nigerian kitchens, sun-dried by roadsides or sun-dried away from local kitchens and roadsides. The selected agricultural samples (Zea mays, Manihot esculenta, Capsicum annuum, Solanum lycopersicum, Abelmoschus esculentus and Hibiscus sabdariffa) were sourced from Byepyi (Wukari – Jalingo highway), Gindin waya (Wukari – Ibi road) and Kente (Wukari – Kente road). PAHs were determined using gas chromatography-spectrometry (GC-MS). Generally, PAHs depositions on the selected agricultural samples showed higher concentrations in samples stored at rooftop of local kitchens, compared to samples sun-dried by the roadsides and samples sun-dried under control conditions in the three locations. In Byepyi, PAHs such as; Pyrene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Fluoranthene, Indo(1,2,3-cd)pyrene levels were significantly higher (P≤0.05) in samples stored at rooftops of local kitchens. Slight change in the result trends was observed for Benzo(b)fluoranthene, Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, which showed higher concentrations for samples sun-dried by roadsides. In Gindin waya, PAHs analytes levels were significantly higher (P≤0.05) in samples stored at rooftops of local kitchens. In Kente, PAHs such as Pyrene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene and Indo(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, were significantly higher (P≤0.05) in samples stored at rooftops of local kitchens. Slight change in the trends was observed for Fluoranthene, Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, which showed higher concentrations for samples sun-dried. The research showed appreciable levels of metallic and PAHs contamination in selected agricultural products, although they were found to be below FAO/WHO permissible limits. Bioaccumulation of these food contaminants in humans could result to serious health problems.
Keywords: GC-MS; Pyrene, Benzo(a)pyrene; Benzo(b)fluoranthene; Fluoranthene; Indo(1,2,3-cd)pyrene; Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene; Kitchens; Roadsides.