Comparison of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Pahs Concentration Levels in Types of Beans and Maize from Markets in South East Nigeria

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs are carcinogenic, mutagenic and persistent organic compounds commonly generated from incomplete combustion of matters. Beans, Phaseolus vulgaris maize, Zea mays form part staple foods consumed highly rich in protein carbohydrate respectively. This study compared the concentration levels sixteen priority different types beans (Potasikum, white iron, brown Gausau Nija red) maize (white, yellow pop corn) obtained various markets south east Nigeria. The purchased samples were picked, ground extraction was by sonication with a solvent mixture dichloromethane hexane ratio 3:1. determination gas chromatography coupled flame ionization detector, GC-FID. result showed that (× 10-2 µg/kg) lower molecular weight PAHs, LMW detected analyzed ranged 8.842±4.743 to 12.590±8.068 iron respectively percentages 41.09% 44.90% 5.998±4.725 9.385±11.339 corn at 25.58% 34.46%. While high weight, HMW varied 12.673±5.554 16.998±3.129 red 58.88% 63.95% 17.84±11.768 18.153±10.421 74.83% 67.43% probable carcinogenic PAH8 concentrations (8.875±2.725 11.796±3.018) × µg/kg (10.82±6.183 13.573±8.789) respectively.. Diagnostic calculated fuel be main source emission. all very low levels, than permissible limit 1.0 established EFSA for cereals cereal based products. Hence these (PAHs) can long time accumulation body harmful. There is need establish other legume grains either European Food Safety Authority, or regulatory bodies.