Assessment of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Contamination in River Waters of Anambra State, Nigeria: Implications for Ecosystem Health and Human Well-Being

Not only is it crucial, but also water itself forms the entire life. Its specific features and abundance confirm it is a very vital resource that keeps the entire ecosystem, offers support to human well-being, and makes the entire globe function naturally. One of the most vital sources of water is the river. Water is often contaminated by persistent organic pollutants (POP), which can have a significant and detrimental impact on the river water and the surrounding aquatic ecosystems. This study has provided data concerning the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) profiles of water samples collected from selected rivers within Otuako, Omambala, and Ezichi, Anambra State, Nigeria. The results revealed that the Ezichi River with a mean value of ۲.۷ x۱۰-۲ mg/L has the highest concentration value for the PCBs, followed by Otuako and Omambala rivers with ۲.۴ x۱۰-۲ mg/L. All the concentration values for the PCBs in the investigated rivers of this study fall above the USEPA recommended limit of ۰.۰۵ mg/L. The high concentration of PCBs in this research is an issue of health concern, as it may lead to cancer (though, not immediate cancer effect), neurological effects, endocrine disruption, immune system effects, and skin and eye irritation. It could, therefore, be concluded that the investigated river water across the study area is not safe for consumption. In that regard, restrictions are recommended on both the public who are consuming the water from those rivers and the people who are dumping the PCB-containing refuse in the riverways.

Keywords:

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) , River water contamination , environmental health , Ecosystem sustainability , Water quality assessment , Health implications of PCB pollution