Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and some Trace metals in Yam, Cassava, Orange and Papaya from two Oil and Gas Flaring Impacted Communities in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The present investigation provides data on the levels of PAHs and trace nutrient elements in selected tubers (yam and cassava) and fruits (orange and papaya) harvested from oil impacted and gas flaring areas in Akalaolu and Ogale Niger Delta communities. PAHs and heavy metals concentrations were analysed by Gas Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Akalaolu samples gave (mg kg-1 PAHs) 4.321, 2.934, 19.003 and 7.004 while Ogale samples gave 3.445, 3.200, 5.41, 0 and 5.021 for cassava, yam, papaya and orange respectively. All selected fruits and tubers collected from the two sites contained significantly decreased trace nutrient elements and signal deficiency conditions. These findings suggest that study food crops from exposed areas are markedly contaminated by carcinogenic PAHs and may pose public nutrition and health concerns. Also, determination of trace nutrient elements in papaya at contaminated sites showed that papaya markedly accumulates metals in response to contamination. 

Keywords: PAHs levels; Hydrocarbon contaminant exposure; Food safety; Fruits and tubers.