Evaluation and Distribution of Selected Polychlorinated Biphenyl Congeners and Triclosan in Soil, Sediment and Surface Water System: A Case Study of Ojutu River, Osun State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the presence of seven-selected polychlorinated biphenyls and triclosan in the Ojutu River, Osun State Nigeria. The soil, sediment and surface water at five different sampling sites were investigated following the standard analytical procedure. The maximum concentration of targeted PCBs in soil, sediment and water are; 1.02 µg/g, 0.6490 µg/g and 0.02981 µg/mL respectively. While triclosan has 0.0562 ng/g, 0.0457 ng/g and 0.001070 ng/mL in sediment, soil and water samples respectively. The concentrations of some of the selected PCB congeners and triclosan were significant in sediment and soil samples across the sites while the majority analytes showed no significant differences in water samples across the sites. The parameters investigated were found within the WHO maximum permissible limit therefore the water could be considered less susceptible to these pollutants. Other contaminants such as personal care products, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and micro-pollutants as well as pollution levels associated with microbial load are worthy of investigation to know the actual state of the river for the safety of aquatic lives and the health of humans who depends on this river.