Introduction: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common
pollutants in water that have been reported to cause severe health effects
in humans and harm the ecosystem.
Aims: This study examined the concentrations of PAHs in different water
sources used for domestic purposes in Ijegun- Egba community.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four (24) groundwater samples were
collected from four sites in Ijegun-Egba. The Physicochemical
parameters were determined using standard methods and PAHs were
determined through Gas chromatography-flame – Flame ionization
detector.
Results: The appearance, odour, and temperature were within the limits
of World Health Organisation (WHO). Conductivity levels were within the
WHO limit (2,500µS/cm) in well water (1,400µS/cm) and borehole water
(1,470 µS/cm) except for river water (4,432.5 µS/cm) which was above
WHO recommended limit (2,500µS/cm). pH was within limits in all sites
studied except for borehole water (pH =4.0). Among the 16 PAHs,
Naphthalene (NAPH) was generally the most abundant PAH (23.89% to
Σ16PAHs). There was a significant difference (at < 0.005) in the level of
PAHs in the four sources of water.
Conclusion: River water has the highest level of PAHs. This points to
the activities of the tank farms and suggests that petrol and oil deposits
find themselves either through percolation, soil runoffs, or erosion into
the water bodies. The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency
should continue to monitor the activities of oil tankers in Ijegun community oil
deports. Truck stations should be built outside the community and the
residents should avoid the use of water from rivers in Ijegun community.