Quantitative profile, sources and health implications of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the strategic Otin River water, Nigeria

Abstract

Otin River is one of the longest strategic rivers in Osun State (Nigeria) with diverse economic values: commercial fishing, community water supply, farming and domestic activities. Nineteen toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were studied in the river water to understand their contamination levels, sources and potential health threats to humans. The river water samples were collected from six locations. The PCBs were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction and quantified using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC–MS). All the PCBs were detected in the river water, ranging from 0.002 μg/L (PCB206) to 0.96 μg/L (PCB180). Using the average concentration of the individual PCB measured, their total concentration was 2.96 μg/L, which exceeded the standard permissible limit of 0.5 μg/L for drinking water. This indicated a high level of contamination. The six dominant congeners in the river water were in the following order: PCB180 > PCB170 > PCB44 > PCB5 > PCB187 > PCB18 (0.12 μg/L). The total PCB concentration at the river midstream housing the Eko-Ende Dam was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that measured at the upstream and downstream. Using principal component analysis, the PCB sources were profiled as the dam's hydraulic system, plastics, paints and farm's agrochemical runoffs. Of the 19 PCBs, PCB5, PCB44, PCB170 and PCB180 posed both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to human health. PCB170 and PCB180 posed the highest risks via ingestion. Some residents/farmers usually consume the water. Thus, the PCB concentrations could cause unimaginable health risks to the people and aquatic life, necessitating effective management strategies.