This study provides data on the characteristic levels, spatial patterns, sources, and risk of n-alkanes (AHs) [octane, n-C₈, to tetracontane, n-C₄₀] and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surficial sediments from the Escravos River Basin (ERB), Nigeria. The n-alkane and PAH concentrations in sediments were quantified by chromatographic methods. The concentrations of AHs and PAHs in the ERB sediments varied from 95 to 3430 µg g⁻¹ and from 0.75 to 213 µg g⁻¹, respectively. Both the concentrations of AHs and PAHs in ERB sediments exceeded their respective guideline values. The carbon preference index and other AH markers provide evidence that the AHs in the ERB sediments originated from petroleum sources. Ecological risk assessment indicated that the ecological risk relating to an organism’s contact with PAHs in the ERB sediments was high. The possible carcinogenic risk arising from human exposure with PAHs in surface sediments through accidental oral ingestion and skin contact exceeded the safe level of 10^–6, indicating a considerable probable cancer risk for fishermen and other inhabitants of the ERB. PAH isomer ratios and multivariate statistics suggested that the PAHs in sediments from the ERB originated from gas flaring inputs, discharges from oil drilling platforms, diesel engines, ships, and speed boats, and combustion of wood and other biomass.

本研究提供了关于特性水平的数据，空间模式，来源和的风险正烷烃（AHS）[辛烷，正Ç ₈，四十烷到，正Ç ₄₀在从表层沉积物]和多环芳香烃（PAHs）尼日利亚的埃斯克拉沃斯河流域（ERB）。沉淀物中的正构烷烃和多环芳烃浓度通过色谱法定量。ERB沉积物中的AHs和PAHs浓度在95至3430 µg g ^-1和0.75至213 µg g ^{-1之间变化}， 分别。ERB沉积物中的AHs和PAHs浓度均超过了各自的指导值。碳偏好指数和其他AH标记提供了证据表明ERB沉积物中的AHs来源于石油。生态风险评估表明，与有机物与ERB沉积物中PAHs接触有关的生态风险很高。人体由于不慎经口摄入和皮肤接触而暴露于表面沉积物中的多环芳烃而可能致癌的风险超过了10 ^–6的安全水平。，表明ERB的渔民和其他居民有相当大的癌症风险。PAH异构体比率和多元统计数据表明，ERB沉积物中的PAHs源自火炬气输入，石油钻井平台，柴油机，轮船和快艇的排放以及木材和其他生物质的燃烧。