TITLE:
Risk Assessment of Human Exposure to 2-Methylnaphthalene, Phenanthrene and Didodecylphthalate via Consumption of Shrimps (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) from Qua Iboe River Estuary, South-South Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Inyang O. Oyo-Ita, Bassey B. Asuquo, Emmanuella E. Oyo-Ita, Orok E. Oyo-Ita
KEYWORDS:
Bioaccumulation, Human Exposure, Toxicity Potential, Shrimp
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.11 No.6,
June
28,
2023
ABSTRACT: Ibeno, one of the major oil producing communities in South-South Nigeria is a coastal commercial
fishery hub that houses Axon-Mobil operational base and pharmaceutical/plastic
industries. Shrimp species (Macrobrachium
vollenhovenii) is a major aquatic food frequently consumed by inhabitants
of the coastal area and those living hinterland, thus, being a major route of
human exposure to 2-methylnaphthalene, phenanthrene and didodecyl phthalate in
the area. The purpose of the study was
to evaluate factors that determine bioaccumulation and assess the potential
cancer and non-cancer risk posed by these contaminants through human (adult and
children) exposure via shrimp’s consumption using gas chromatography-mass
spectroscopy. The associated sediment showed higher mean concentrations of
2-methylnaphthalene, phenanthrene and didodecylphthalate at the two sites
relative to those in fresh shrimp samples and factors such as size, lipid
content, physicochemical property and environmental condition influenced the
uptake of these contaminants. Besides water loss, the traditional drying
process enhanced the levels of phenanthrene and didodecylphthalate in dry
shrimps most likely due to combustion process and relatively low volatility,
respectively and lowered the level of 2-methylnapthalene linked to its relatively high volatility. The potential of cancer and
non-cancer development in human were highest via dry large shrimp consumption
and followed the sequence: dry small shrimp > fresh large shrimp > fresh
small shrimp and were within the USEPA reference standards. Although children
were more vulnerable, the exposed individuals may not exhibit notable health-associated
adverse effects in the near future. Thus, adequate advocacy is needed to
sensitize those living in the catchments who often prefer dry shrimp in their
meals on the adverse health implications of these contaminants for their
survival and the need to maintain the health of the ecosystem.