Abstract This study is aimed at determining the levels of sixteen (16) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS) in sediment samples from Gubi Dam, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Sediment samples were collected at four different sampling points designated S1 to S4. Extraction and clean-up of sediment samples were carried out using GC-MS. The Dam under study was classified as low priority site in terms of pollution control, because the mean effect range medium quotient values in sediment samples were below 0.1, indicating 11% probability of toxicity. Result from diagnostic rations, showed that pyrogenic sources were found to be responsible for PAHs release to the Gubi Dam sediment because the ratios of BaA/BaA+Chr greater than 0.2, Ant/Ant+Phe greater than 0.1, Fluo/Fluo+Pyr greater than 0.4 and LMW/ HMW less than 1 as proposed by USEPA, 2004. Furthermore, the major environmental concern and the ability of the developing cancer related illness from Gubi Dam is low and not relatively serious. Hence, the relevant agencies should be involved in the management of Gubi Dam with respect to PAHs contamination.
Keywords Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon, Sediment, Samples, Gubi Dam.