Baseline Analysis of Ground Water Quality Around Open Dumpsites in Baseline Analysis of Ground Quality Around Open Dumpsites Lagos, Nigeria: Focus on Water Polynucelar Aromatic Hydrocarbons ( PAHs) in Lagos, Nigeria: Focus on Polynucelar Aromatic Hydrocarbons By Mayowa Dayo . Introduction to Study Area Lagos State (aka. Las Gidi, Eko) ~ 60% of Nigeria’s industrial and commercial centers (1). Situated on the Southwestern coast of Nigeria It has the largest population of people (15-17million) and the smallest geographic area (1) In 1996 Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) was established. Major dumpsites are located in neighborhoods of people with lower income. Background Dumpsites Open dumps are the simplest and cheapest method of disposing of waste Primary means of waste management especially in developing countries (3). Water infiltrates and permeates through dumpsites producing leachate, which may contain undesirable and toxic chemicals. Motivation: The need to categorize the long-term effects of environmental pollution on the health outcome of exposed people in nearby communities. Polynucelar Aromatic Hydrocarbons PAHs PAHs are a type of organic compounds that are produced when complex organic substances are exposed to incomplete combustion or high-pressure processes. PAHs occur naturally but mostly produced through anthropogenic sources such as burning of refuse, tires, petroleum, coal, motor exhaust and smoking. Modes of exposure include ingestion, dermal contact & inhalation. The main pathway of carcinogenesis is through PAH metabolite interaction with DNA. Why PAHs: known carcinogens & chronic PAH toxicity may lead to increased risk for cancer such as skin, lung, bladder, liver & stomach cancer Aims and Hypothesis Aims: To determine spatial distances between major dumpsites and usable water catchments and to graphically depict populations at risk to PAH exposure due to geographic proximity to dumpsites in Lagos To determine the baseline level of PAHs in groundwater aquifers around 2 dumpsites in Lagos, Nigeria To determine the increased risk of cancer in people that consume polluted water. To create a policy brief aimed at LASEPA and other responsible bodies in Lagos, Nigeria. Hypothesis: Ground water around open dumpsites in Lagos is contaminated with PAHs Methods Sampled wells & boreholes in houses around Olushosun and Solous dumpsites 6 samples from Olushosun & 8 from Solous collected over two day period (July 9th and July 10th). And 2 control samples GPS used to collect coordinates of each dumpsite and sampling site. Data on temperature, pH, distance of well/borehole to dumpsite, water depth and well depth were collected on site. Chemical analysis performed at LASEPA using GC/FID method for PAHs. Samples were analyzed for the presence of 18 PAHs commonly found in drinking water. Research in Progress Continued statistical analysis T-test to compare means of PAHs found in each site 1-sample t-test with maximum contamination level of PAHs in drinking water (as proposed by EPA , 0.2 ppb) as predefined value. Risk assessment modeling Hazard - Can the Identified agents present a carcinogenic hazard to humans and under what circumstances? Dose - At what level of exposure might effects occur? Exposure – what are the conditions of human exposure Risk – character of the risk? How well do data support conclusions? Uncertainties Questions?