Comparison of Ultra-Sonication and Microwave Extraction Followed by Filtration or Filtration and Solid-Phase Extraction Clean-Up for PAH Determination from Sediment and Sludge: Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds originating from pyrogenic and petrogenic sources, which increases their potential introduction into the environment possible exposure to humans. PAHs have been identified as of concern due environmental persistence toxicity living organisms, leading harmful health effects. As a consequence, South African government (The Department Water Sanitation) has set national norms standards for assessment waste landfill disposal through National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (NEMWA) license (Act No. 59 2008). This study therefore evaluated concentrations, origin human ecological risk in sediment sludge samples, is requirement by government. The were determined using ultrasonic extraction (UE) microwave-assisted (MAE), followed filtration, or filtration clean-up with solid-phase (SPE). results obtained indicated that both methods can be used relative accuracy sensitivity. However, higher concentrations F + SPE-cleaned samples (95.96–926.0 µg/kg) compared filtered (21.61–380.6 µg/kg), pyrene showing dominance over all other PAHs. detected origin. These currently within total acceptable concentration levels 5.0 × 104 µg/kg prescribed NEMWA sediments. above effective medium range river sediments revealed toxic effects aquatic organisms. ILCRderm values suggested very high cancer dermal inhabitants area. findings indicate continuous monitoring these paramount importance area not entirely safe use even recreational purposes.