Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardant that persist, bioaccumulate and biomagnify in aquatic organisms with accompanied deleterious effect. The PBDEs levels was assessed in sediments and Crabs (Callinectes amnicola) collected from Oro-oguro (stations 1) and Orugbo (stations 2) in Epe lagoon, Nigeria. Samples were analyzed using Gas Chromatography coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). Sediments BDE (28, 47, and 183) were detected in both stations at concentrations lower than Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for PBDEs Environment Canada (150 ng/g) and European Union (310 ng/g). The total mean concentration of PBDEs ranged from 37.77 – 67.66 ng/g) in station 2 and 1, respectively. BDE 28 had the highest concentration (32.20 ng/g) of the congeners detected while congener BDE 47 had the lowest concentration (3.25 ng/g). BDE 7, BDE 28, BDE 47 and BDE 99 were detected in C. amnicola sampled from both stations. BDE 28 was highest in stations 1 and 2 (144.79 and 2611.29 ng/g), respectively which was significantly higher relative to the Canada Environmental Quality Guidelines (120 ng/g). The total PBDEs concentration was higher in station 2 (2730.67 ng/g) than station 1 (183.18 ng/g). Total organic carbon was higher in sediment (2.496 mg/g) from station 2 than station 1 (1.872 mg/g). Derivation of Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) for BDE (7 and 28) congeners was greater than 1 in both stations. Thus, a reflection of an unhealthy state of the environment that calls for regular monitoring to ensure conservation of the inhabitants.