Quantification and Distribution of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PNAs) in Surface Waters in the Vicinity of Kokori Oil Field, Nigeria

Abstract

The distribution pattern and sources of sixteen PANs listed as priority pollutants were investigated in eight composite water samples using Gas Chromatography (GC) with a Hawlett-Packard model 6890 with 30m x 0.28 capillary column. Analytical observation of the percentage distribution of PNAs concentration in the study area show that SSY(20.12%)>SSX(16.75%)>SSZ(16.01%)>SST(14.43%)>SSW(13.24%)>SSU(12.06%)>SSV(6.84%)>SSA(0.55 %). The observed distribution of genotoxic (Gen.) and carcinogenic (Car.) PNAs and other PNAs in the study area show that the Gen. and Car PNAs recorded 29.58% over other PNAs with 70.42%. The percentage distribution of low PNAs/high PNAs and ratio analysis show that this sources are petrogenic and pyrogenic but dominated with petrogenic PNAs