Assessment of potential heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and phenolic compounds in commonly sold plantains in selected locations in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract Humans are constantly exposed to pollutants through various pathways including food chain, skin contact, and inhalation. These pollutants, both organic and inorganic pose considerable health risks and concerns to humans. The present study was set out to assess potential heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds present in commonly sold plantains in selected locations in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Fresh plantain specimens from Ekeremor and Tombia, Bayelsa state, Nigeria were collected, identified and assayed for potential organic/inorganic contaminants and phenolic compounds using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) following standard procedures. Data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS and results were presented as mean ± SEM. Our findings showed that the levels of chromium, lead, cadmium, and nickel in plantain samples from Ekeremor and Tombia, Nigeria were significantly higher than in the control sample. The most abundant PAHs were acenaphthylene, acenaphthrene, fluorine, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and chrysene. Furthermore, the highest concentrations of phenol were found in plantain samples taken from Ekeremor (8.28 ± 0.01). Values obtained were mostly above the limits set by the regulators. This poses possible carcinogenic concerns if consumed for a long time. Hence, effective management strategies are required to mitigate possible associated risks and protect public health.