Mathematical Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Selected Commonly Consumed Seafood and Health Risk Implications in Akipelai Town, Ogbia, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study carried out the mathematical evaluation of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in selected commonly consumed seafood and health risk implications in akipelai town, Ogbia, Bayelsa State. Seafood were collected from Akepelai River. Heavy metals, PAHs, estimated Daily Intake, Life Cancer Risk, Total Life Cancer Risk, Target Hazard Quotient, and Hazard Index of hazardous heavy metals were investigated based on standard methods of estimation.  The Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni levels in Grapsidae: 1.160±0.008mg/kg, 1.016±0.008mg/kg, 8.036±0.008mg/kg, and 12.125±0.008mg/kg respectively, were higher than the reference values for seafood as recommended, similar pattern were observed in P. busungwe, C. armatum, and Oxudercinae. The estimated daily intake of Pb, Cd, and Ni in Cardisoma armatum: 1.002mg/kg, 1.704mg/kg, and 1.526mg/kg respectively, were higher than the reference values for seafood as recommended, similar pattern were observed in Oxudercinae, Atlantic silverside, Portunus armatus, and Catharanthus roseus. The target hazard and hazard index of Ni, Pb, and Cd in P. busungwe were 1.014mg/kg, 8.504mg/kg, and 8.904mg/kg respectively, were higher than the reference values for seafood as recommended and similar trend were observed in Atlantic silverside. Life cancer risk and total life cancer risk of Pb, Cd, and Ni studied in Cardisoma armatum 1.75, 6.005, and 0.044 respectively, were significantly higher the reference values for seafood as recommended and similar occurrences were observed in Oxudercinae, Bagrus bajad, Portunus armatus, and Catharanthus roseus. Chronic consumption of these seafood could lead to cumulative toxic effects and other serious health conditions. Immediate action is required to prevent contamination of marine resources in Akipelai Town.