Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Contamination Levels in Underutilized Grains (Guinea Corn, Pigeon Peas and Bambara Nut) in South East Nigeria

Polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbons, PAHs are harmful persistent organic pollutants formed by incomplete combustion of matter. They carcinogenic and mutagenic can occur in foods. These underutilized grains- guinea corn, pigeon peas bambra nut commonly consumed South East Nigeria. This study aimed to quantitatively determine the polycyclic hydrocarbons contamination levels these grains (guinea bambara nut) Eastern part The sixteen were determined grain samples using gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector, GC- FID after extraction sonication. concentrations (×10-2 µg/kg) ∑16 analyzed range 24.07 36.49 red corn respectively. lower molecular weight hydrocarbons, LMW-PAHs total mean varied from 6.217±0.442 10.423±6.661 pure white at percentages 25.83% 33.51% While high hydrocarbon, HMW-PAHs 14.835±7.178 27.657±14.190 respectively 59.34% 75.79%. concentration ∑8 ranged 10.913±4.215 17.444±7.023 peas. priority detected all a very low level, below maximum allowable limit- 1.0µg/kg established European Food Safety Authority, EFSA for cereals cereal-based products. But this be human being long time accumulation body. Permissible limit legume should also established.