Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry

Baseline Distribution of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in an Aquatic Organism from Crude Oil Polluted Environment

Abstract

Nworu Jerome Sunday*, Ikelle Issie Ikelle, Okpoebi Kenneth Berezi, Peter CC Wang, Arisabor Lucky and Odiyirin Paul Boyitie

In this study, the total concentration of n-alkanes is reported as ƩAliphatics, total concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon as ƩPAH and ƩTPH for the total petroleum hydrocarbon. The values reported followed different trends. For the ƩAliphatics, the gills had the highest average concentration while the kidney had the lowest average concentration. For ƩPAH, the muscle had the highest average concentration while the gills had the lowest average concentration. In summation ƩTPH, the gill had the highest average concentration while the kidney had the lowest average concentration. The results showed that the organs studied are good bio-accumulators. This study therefore revealed that, there are substantial exposure and bioaccumulation in the commonly consumed tilapia fish species in Kurutie/Okerenkoko from Escravos River and there could be possible human risk to cancer and other related health challenges.