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

摘要

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.