Evaluation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Levels in Water, Sediments, and Callinectes Amnicola From Buguma Creek, Rivers State, Nigeria

The Niger Delta, Nigeria, is a major oil-producing region whose ecosystems have been significantly impacted by crude oil spills, sabotage, artisanal refining, and operational discharges. Buguma Creek, characterised by extensive mangrove swamps and interconnecting creeks, is a critical fishing hub for both subsistence and commercial purposes. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a major class of pollutants arising from petroleum contamination, pose significant ecological and human health risks due to their persistence and toxicity. PAHs originate from petrogenic sources, including crude oil spills and petroleum byproducts, and pyrogenic sources, such as combustion of organic materials. They are ubiquitous in soil, sediment, water, air, and biota, and are classified by molecular weight into low molecular weight (LMW, 2–3 benzene rings) and high molecular weight (HMW, ≥4 benzene rings) compounds. This study reviews the sources, classification, and environmental implications of PAHs in coastal waters, emphasizing the vulnerability of Buguma Creek’s mangrove ecosystems and seafood resources. Understanding the distribution and characteristics of PAHs is essential for assessing ecological risks, bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms, and potential human exposure. Effective monitoring and mitigation strategies are critical for protecting both the environment and public health in oil-impacted coastal areas.