Toxicity and carcinogenic potentials of particulate-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emitted at the epicenter of major abattoirs in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abattoirs have been identified as significant sources of aromatic hydrocarbons, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), due to the combustion-intensive nature of meat processing activities, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. These compounds are recognized as persistent environmental pollutants with carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxicological effects, thereby posing substantial risks to both human health and ecological systems. Both passive and active air sampling techniques were employed to determine particulate-bound PAHs. A fabricated polyurethane foam (PUF) disk sampler, an air quality monitor, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis were used. The particle-bound polycyclic hydrocarbons PM2.5, PM10, and TSP measured at the abattoirs in Kwara State, Nigeria were 121-1557, 139-1744, and 265-3301 µg.m-3, respectively, for the Sobi abattoir, and 165.25-684.5, 196.25-726.25, and 265-1178.25 µg.m-3 for the Ipata abattoir. The toxicity potential (TP) for the particulate emissions at the Sobi abattoir ranged between 0.47 and 30.54, while the Ipata abattoir ranged between 0.54 and 18.75. The incremental cancer inhalation risk assessment (ILRC) for exposure within the Sobi and Ipata abattoirs was estimated at 3.319 × 10-7  and 5.01 × 10-7, respectively. The adverse non-cancer health risk was 1.481 and 0.300 for Sobi and Ipata, respectively. The study confirms that PAH emissions from these abattoirs pose measurable non-cancer health risks to exposed vulnerable populations and recommends adopting cleaner technologies, such as a solar or biogas-heated scalding system, to mitigate emisspons and protect the vulnerable.

Graphical Abstract

Toxicity and carcinogenic potentials of particulate-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emitted at the epicenter of major abattoirs in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

Highlights

  • High PAH concentrations were detected in Ilorin abattoir environments.
  • Assessed concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10, TSP) bound in PAHs.
  • Evaluated toxicity potentials (TP), incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), and non-cancer hazard quotient (HQ).
  • Proposed mitigation strategies to reduce PAHs emissions in Nigeria’s abattoirs.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by IROST.

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Journal of Particle Science and Technology
Volume 11, Issue 1
June 2025
Pages 39-51

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 22 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 30 November 2025

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