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Sources and risk evaluation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in dust and soil from an urban environment in Nigeria

Chukwujndu Maxwell Azubuike Iwegbue , Chinedu J. Ossai, Ijeoma F. Ogwu, Eze W. Odali, Chijioke Olisah, Oguejiofo T. Ujam, Godwin E. Nwajei, Bice S. Martincigh

Abstract

Rationale: The concentrations of 39 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners were determined in soil and dust samples of a typical Nigerian city in order to evaluate the spatial patterns, sources, and ecosystem and human health risks. The findings afford necessary data to evaluate the temporal status, compliance on globally banned POPs, and guidance for designing strategies for surveillance, source control, risk reduction and management of environmental quality. Methodology: Samples of soil and dust (indoor and outdoor) were obtained from 20 sites within the city. The soil and dust samples were subjected to Soxhlet extraction with acetone/DCM/n-hexane and cleaned up. The PBDEs in the extracts were separated and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: The Σ39 PBDE concentrations of these samples varied between 1.69 and 590 ng g-1 for soil, while those of indoor and outdoor dust ranged from 0.45 to 112 ng g-1, and 0.54 to 60.4 ng g-1 respectively. Discussion: Despite, PBDEs being primarily indoor pollutants, its concentrations in soils exceeded those detected in indoor and outdoor dusts which may be attributed to soil’s higher sorption capacity and anthropogenic activities. The composition patterns in these media showed dominance of penta-PBDEs, and exposure to these penta-BDEs has potential ecological consequences. Human exposure to PBDEs in soils and dusts from this area has no serious health implications. The occurrence patterns and potential sources of PBDEs in soil and dust were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The behaviours and sources of PBDEs in soil and outdoor dust were similar, but differ from those of indoor dust. The use of the penta-BDE technical formulation is the likely source of PBDEs in these matrices. . Exposure to PBDEs in soils and dusts from this area has no serious health risk implication but could pose an ecological risk.

EN25007  Accepted 22 April 2025

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