Assessment of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Fish, Soil, Vegetables, and Water From Bade and Jakusko Lgas of Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assesses the presence of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in fish, soil, vegetables, and water 
samples collected from Bade and Jakusko Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Yobe State, Nigeria. 
Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) compounds, known for their environmental persistence and potential 
health risks, were analyzed using advanced techniques like Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC
MS/MS). The analysis focused on common Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) compounds such as 
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS), and others, comparing their 
concentrations to the EPA standard of 0.01 to 0.1 µg/kg. In water samples, the concentration of 
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) varied between 0.02 to 0.42 µg/kg in different wards. In vegetable samples, 
no detectable levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) were observed. Fish samples showed varying 
levels 
of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and 
perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS), with concentrations exceeding the EPA limit in some instances. Soil 
samples also showed Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), presence ranging from 0.11 to 0.30 µg/kg. The 
findings indicate varying levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination across different 
environmental media, underscoring the need for comprehensive monitoring and mitigation measures in the 
area under study.