CARCINOGENIC POTENCY OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN SOIL

Abstract

Carcinogenic potency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils obtained from seven different sampling locations in Effurun metropolis and its environs of Niger Delta Area of Nigeria were evaluated. The 16 US EPA priority PAHs were determined with GC-MS. The concentrations of individual PAHs observed were used to compute the carcinogenic risk potency of the PAHs relative to benzo(a)pyrene (reference carcinogen). Benzo(a)pyrene equivalent concentration in soils from industrial sites, possess about 22 times carcinogenic potencies than soils from residential areas.

KEY WORDS: Benzo(a)pyrene, Carcinogen, Carcinogenic risk potency, Tumours, Soil


Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2007, 21(3), 437-443.