Characterization of the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) in the Wetlands of Ogbinbiri and Environs for the Adoption of Cage Aquaculture as a Recipe for Achieving Zero Hunger in Nigeria

This study investigated the concentrations of PAHs in the wetlands of Ogbinbiri and environs for the deployment of cage aquaculture. For achievement of zero hunger in Nigeria. The study answered 5 research questions and tested a hypothesis. In accomplishing these, the wetlands in Ogbinbiri, Ugbo-Rado, Ogbudogbodu Okoromado and Opuama were mapped out into 5 sampling units each water sample were collected from 5 spots with plastic sample bottles in each unit, bulked and composite drawn and fixed with HN0¬4 and stored in ice cool flask for analysis. The analytical standard adopted was EU 1881/2014 MPC and the instrument of determination used was Agilent spectrometry GC/MS and the results obtained were; pyrene 0.73±0.01 μg/l, chrysene 0.74±0.11 μg/l, BaP, 0.32±0.01 μg/l, BaA, 0.72±0.01 μg/l and BbF, 0.73±0.00 μg/l. the mean results obtained were subjected to test of significance with ANOVA using SPSS IBM model 29 at 0.05 and the p value was 0.06, thus accept H0. The Study concludes that the wetlands were not polluted above EU 1881/2014 recommended standards and thus cage aquaculture can be implemented in the wetland. The produce will be fit for human and animal consumption and are equally exportable. The study recommends that oil companies operating in Ogbinbiri and environs should continue with the standard practice adopted, the monitoring agencies NESREA and NOSDRA should continue with their standard mandate of surveillance of the oil companies operation for the sustenance of the purity of the wetlands for continued ecosystem services such as the adoption of cage aquaculture for zero hunger in Nigeria.