COBWEB AS BIOINDICATOR OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON IN HOUSEHOLD COOKING ENERGY SOURCES: HEALTH RISK ASSESSEMENT
Abstract
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent environmental pollutants with known carcinogenic properties. Indoor air, particularly in cooking environments, is a significant source of human exposure, yet suitable passive monitoring tools remain limited. This study investigated the presence, concentration, and compositional patterns of PAHs in cobwebs collected from kitchens using different cooking fuels and assessed associated health risks. Cobweb samples were obtained from four household cooking environments; firewood-dependent (FDK), kerosene stove-dependent (KSDK), gas-dependent (GDK), and electric cooker-dominated (ECDK) and from a control site (CTR). Sixteen priority PAHs and two alkylated derivatives were quantified using chromatographic techniques. Total PAHs, molecular weight fractions, carcinogenic PAH proportions, and Toxic Equivalency Quotients (TEQs) were determined. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation, were applied to evaluate fuel type effects and combustion intensity on PAH accumulation. Results showed significant variation across cooking sources, with firewood-dependent kitchens exhibiting the highest levels (∑PAH = 1.352 µg/g; TEQ = 0.207 mg/kg), followed by kerosene stove-dependent kitchens (∑PAH = 1.137 µg/g; TEQ = 0.166 mg/kg). Gas and electric cooker-dominated kitchens recorded lower concentrations, while the control site showed minimal accumulation (∑PAH = 0.073 µg/g; TEQ = 0.023 mg/kg). High molecular weight PAHs dominated the profiles (59–66%), with chrysene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene being most prevalent. ANOVA confirmed significant differences (p < 0.05) across sampling environments, while correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships (r = 0.873–0.987) between combustion intensity and PAH accumulation. The findings demonstrate that cobwebs are effective, economical, and reliable passive samplers for indoor PAHs. Firewood and kerosene fuels significantly increase indoor PAH levels, posing potential respiratory and carcinogenic health risks. Promoting cleaner cooking technologies and integrating cobweb-based monitoring could reduce exposure in vulnerable populations.
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