Analysis of PAHs Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Maize (Zea mays L.) from Jalingo Dumpsites in Taraba State

Authors

  • Salvation Nogindick Ephesian
    Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Nigeria
  • John Odiba Oko
    Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Nigeria
  • Emmanuel Amuntse Yerima
    Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Nigeria

Keywords:

Bioaccumulation, PAHs, Transfer Factors, Dumpsite, Zea mays L.

Abstract

This study assessed Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) uptake and bioaccumulation in maize (Zea mays L.) grown on dumpsite soils in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. The collection of soil samples from three dumpsites and monthly sampled maize stems and leaves over a three-month growth period was performed. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyzed thirteen PAH compounds, while Transfer Factors (TF) and Bioaccumulation Factors (BAF) evaluated pollutant movement. The results showed a mean total PAH concentration of 0.1008 ± 0.0143 mg/kg in the soil, with benzo[g,h,i]perylene being the highest (0.0715 ± 0.0127 mg/kg). Total PAH levels in both stems and leaves increased progressively from month one to month three. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan tests revealed statistically significant variations (p < 0.05) for naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, acenaphthene, and fluorene in the leaves, confirming active uptake during plant growth. Crucially, both TF and BAF values exceeded one for several PAHs, especially 2-methylnaphthalene, pyrene, and fluoranthene, proving that maize efficiently extracts and concentrates these toxins from the ground. Ultimately, these findings show that dumpsite farming allows contaminants to enter the food chain, posing potential health risks to local farmers and consumers. To protect public health and the environment, the study highlights a need for regular environmental monitoring, better waste management, and restrictions on growing food crops on contaminated dumpsites. Options are available to shorten the text further, adjust the focus to highlight specific statistical results, or adapt the summary for a different target audience.

 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23708301

Dimensions

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Sample of Chromatogram Plots for PAHs

Published

2026-10-29

How to Cite

Analysis of PAHs Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Maize (Zea mays L.) from Jalingo Dumpsites in Taraba State. (2026). Frontiers in Physical and Applied Sciences (FIPAS), 1(1), 34-47. https://journals.fuwukari.org.ng/index.php/fpas/article/view/24

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): The Maiden Publication of FIPAS

Section

Chemistry
Copyright & Licensing

How to Cite

Analysis of PAHs Uptake and Bioaccumulation in Maize (Zea mays L.) from Jalingo Dumpsites in Taraba State. (2026). Frontiers in Physical and Applied Sciences (FIPAS), 1(1), 34-47. https://journals.fuwukari.org.ng/index.php/fpas/article/view/24