LEVELS OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN AN ABANDONED DUMPSITE SITUATED IN RUMUOLUMENI, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This study measured the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an abandoned dumpsite situated in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria. Soil samples from abandoned dumpsite were collected at three different points ascertain the strength of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The levels of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at the different points within the studied dumpsite were examined after elementary laboratory pretreatments were done and sample extraction for PAHs was attained using dichloromethane as solvent which was then followed by column chromatography clean up. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was used in the analysis and determination of the concentrations of PAHs in the investigated soil samples obtained from the abandoned dumpsite. The mean levels of total PAHs within the different points during the time of study ranged from 0.0211 to 0.9792 mg/Kg with an average level of 0.6161±0.521 mg/Kg within the dumpsite under investigation. The values of total PAHs obtained within the dumpsite investigated were far below the 10 mg/Kg requirements for soils by both national and international bodies. Source identification to verify PAHs source indicated more of pyrogenic than petrogenic sources and that 4-6 membered ring PAHs were more in abundance when compared to 2-3 membered ring PAHs. The results recorded indicated PAHs contamination and therefore proper control and monitoring is required in order that the values will not increase to the point that soil around the studied area will be so degraded that can affect humans that assess the area where the dumpsite is situated.