Abstract

The Levels and distributions of the concentrations of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s) in soil and water samples were assessed using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). PAH’s are important for public health and the environment due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic characteristics and harmful effects on soil and vegetation. Samples were collected in wet and dry season to determine the concentration of some (PAH’S) compounds to ascertain their concentrations and compare with allowable standards. Areas covered in this research include; Abule-Egba, Epe, Olusosun and Shagamu in Lagos Nigeria. About 16 PAH’s were analysed in the four areas, The results obtainedshowed high distribution of Benzo(a)anthracene (0.47326 ± 0.45635 ppm) and Benzo(a)pyrene(0.34547 ± 0.39769 ppm) in Epe area during the wet season. The percentage of Benzo(k)flouranthene in soil was found to be 49% while 39% was found in water though higher than the permissible limit as stated by US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as 0.2 mg/m3.