Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) occurrence and assessment of dietary exposure
from imported canned sardines (Sardinops sagax) commercially marketed in local stores
and supermarkets in Nigeria were evaluated for the first time. PAHs determinations were
performed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Agilent 1290 model)
equipped with UV-VIS diodes array detector (DAD) at λ = 210 nm and 214 nm. The
percentage recoveries were higher than 96%. The degree of contamination expressed as
total concentration of PAH congeners ranged between 2.53 and 35.55 μg kg−1 dry weight
(d.w.) at λ = 210 nm, and 1.30 and 27.93 μg kg−1 (d.w.) at λ = 214 nm. The carcinogenic
(TEQBaP) and mutagenic toxicities (MEQBaP) of eight priority PAHs were evaluated.
Benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene and indeno[1,2,3-c,d]
pyrene contributed significantly to the total carcinogenic equivalents of PAHs. The
mutagenic equivalents were largely dominated by chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene,
benzo[k]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene and indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene equivalence
factors. The estimated lifetime average daily dose (LADD), average annual excess risk
(AR), excess cancer rate (ECR), and hazard quotient risk (HQ) were evaluated for adults,
children and preteens exposure related risks. The LADD, ECR, AR and HQ of PAHs for
carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks are relatively higher in preteens than children
and adults
