Health Implications of Bioaccumulation of PAHs in Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) and Waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum) along the Imo River Watershed, Imo State, Nigeria

The health implication of PAHs has been great concern due to its contamination the food chain. This study was carried out identify challenges associated with bioaccumulation in Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) and Waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum) along Imo River Watershed, State, Nigeria. A total 8 soil samples (0-30cm) were randomly collected from different activity areas on watershed analyzed for presence 16 US-EPA priority both vegetable samples. analysis accordance EPA 8270: (GC-MSD) results revealed that amongst PAHs, eight them detected concentration Naphthalene(0.146mg/kg), Acenaphthylene(0.010mg/kg), Acenaphthene(0.210mg/kg),Phenanthrene(0.021mg/kg),Anthracene(0.041mg/kg),Flouranthene(0.130mg/kg),Pyrene(0.020mg/kg),Benzo(b)fluoranthene(8.641mg/kg) Naphthalene(0.090mg/kg),Acenaphthene(0.011mg/kg),Fluorene(0.010mg/kg),Phenanthrene(0.230mg/kg),Anthracene(0.190mg/kg),Flouranthene(0.010mg/kg),Benzo(b)fluoranthene(2.711mg/kg),I(1,2,3-cd)PY(0.540mg/kg) respectively. decreasing order individual within area Benzo(b)Flouranthene>Acenaphthene>Naphthalene>Fluoranthene>Anthracene> Phenanthrene> Pyrene> Acenaphthelyne Benzo(b) Flouranthene>I(1,2,3-cd)PY> Anthracene> Naphthalene>Acenaphthene> Fluorene>Fluoranthene For vegetables, concentrations recorded Obowo zone observed be higher than Okigwe zone. result also high values edible around abattoirs abandoned waste dump. It is therefore evident this dumps have potential emit huge amount resource, which taken up by vegetables leading several when are consumed. Different exposure immune function suppression, cataracts, kidney liver damage, skin inflammation, asthma, nausea, vomiting, eye irritation, diarrhea, confusion, lung other cancers probably death chronic cases. There need public education consumption grown dominated dumps.