Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Bioaccumulation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Fish and Invertebrates of Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
by Alani Rose, Drouillard Ken, Olayinka Kehinde, and Alo Babajide

Abstract:
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an environmental issue because some of the compounds are toxic, mutagenic, or are known or suspected carcinogens. The presence of PAHs in high concentrations in an aquatic environment such as Lagos Lagoon and their subsequent bioaccumulation in the fish and invertebrates in the lagoon is a major concern as most of the people depend on this lagoon for seafoods. The levels of PAHs were assessed in water, sediment, invertebrates (crayfish shrimps and crabs) and twelve species of fish, including commercially important fish sold to local markets. Samples were collected and analyzed using Gas chromatography/ Mass selective Detector (GC/MSD). In wholefish samples, high molecular weight PAHs bioaccumulated more than the lower ones, with Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene having the concentration of 564.103ng/g d. w. while Naphthalene had the concentration of 340.711ng/g d. w. In the fish fillet tissues, the most bioaccumulated PAHs were Phenanthrene (109.758-11.491ng/g d. w.) and Naphthalene (62.270-11.343ng/g d. w.). Also in the invertebrate fillet tissues, Naphthalene (288.843-24.864ng/g d. w.) and Phenanthrene (179.042-23.021ng/g d. w.) bioaccumulated most. Phenanthrene was found to pose high risks in young crabs, crabs eggs, and Carranx hippos (agaza). The levels and the risks of PAHs in fishes and invertebrates of Lagos Lagoon are hereby presented

Keywords: ecological risk assessment, pahs, fishes, invertebrates, Lagos lagoon.

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