POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON METABOLITES AND ANTIOXIDANT STRESS MARKERS IN LUMBRICUS TERRESTRIS FROM AREAS AROUND KOLO CREEK, NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are contaminants of interest due to their known toxic effects. PAHs may interfere with physiological and biochemical activities soil organisms like Lumbricus terrestris. metabolites have been employed in the assessment external exposure metabolic activation. Thus, this study investigates antioxidant stress markers terrestris which is a recognized bioindicator environmental pollution. Samples were collected from four sampling sites Emeyal, Imiringi, Elebele Otuasega around Kolo Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. The PAH other parameters determined using standard laboratory procedures. results showed that concentrations ∑5-OH ranged 0.55 16.6 mg/kg. On average, followed order: 9-OH Fluorene (Flu) > 2-OH Napthalene (Nap) 1-OH Pyrene (Pyr) 3-OH Phenathrene (Phen) Benzo(a)pyrene (Bap). antioxidative comprises superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidise s-transferase malondialdehyde reduced including acetylcholinesterase lactate dehydrogenase varied significantly among sites. data obtained suggests exposed changes oxidative confirm area. could be as biomarkers for polycyclic hydrocarbon effectively biological monitoring PAHs.