POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBS) AND HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATIONS IN BIOTA IN SOME RIVERS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Pollution of aquatic environments in the Niger Delta remains a major source of food chain contamination. In this study, the concentrations of heavy metals and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in biota were determined. Standard laboratory and environmental techniques were employed in sampling and analysis of samples. Samples were collected from Borokiri, Kaa, Okrika and Eagle Island rivers. The concentrations of PCBs were determined using gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) while heavy metals were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential techniques. The results of the study showed that concentrations of PCBs in biota ranged from 0.95 – 0.98 mg/kg. Heavy metals concentrations (mg/kg) in biota ranged as 0.848- 9.719, 4.325-6.115, 5.917-9.013, 4.369-7.395, 0.619-1.462, 3.712-5.653 and 2.911-5.614 for Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ba, Pb and Ni respectively. The result shows that there is a significant difference in the concentrations of the metals in biota along the locations. While the concentrations of the PCB were within regulatory limits, there is need to consistently monitor their levels as they can contaminate the food chain thereby inducing toxicities in humans. Keywords: Polychlorinated biphenyls, heavy metals, periwinkle, concentrations, food chain, contamination. African Journal of Engineering and Environment Research Vol.3(2) 2022 ©2022 CEFPACS Consulting Limited. www. cefpacsconsultingltd.org.ng ISSN: 2635-2974