Determination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBS) using gas chromatography electron capture detector in dust from schools in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in dust, and subsequent exposure to humans via unintentional ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, has serious health repercussions due to their toxicity profiles. There is a lack of knowledge concerning the concentration of PCBs in the dust/atmosphere. The quantities of seven (7) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in outdoor dust were measured at five different locations across southern Ondo State, Nigeria. The study's purpose was to provide data on the distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in air dusts and to assess the influence of metrological parameters on PCB dust concentration. The PCB content was evaluated with a gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). PCB values varied from 1.51–32.52 µg/kg. Six (6) PCBs were below the detection limit in five separate sites. The total content of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in air dust displayed a negative (-0.614) and strong connection with wind speed, a positive (0.023) and bad correlation with temperature, and a positive (0.485) but poor association with relative humidity. In conclusion, the level of atmospheric PCBS has no significant effect on meteorological parameters. The EPA's health-based screening standard for total PCBs is 0.22 μg g¹, which aim to prevent deleterious effects from long-term exposure.