The distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from rivers and canals adjoining some oil exploration sites in the Niger Delta and surface soils from host communities were examined. The concentrations of 28 target PAHs ranged from 65 to 331 ng/g (average: 168 ng/g) and from 24 to 120 ng/g (average: 80 ng/g) in the sediment and soil samples, respectively. Two-ring PAHs were the dominant components accounting for approximately 45% of the total PAHs detected. Assessment of the PAH compound ratios, phenanthrene/athracene (Phe/Ant) and fluoranthene/pyrene (Flu/Pyr), suggested that the PAHs in most sediment samples were predominantly of petrogenic origin which may have resulted from incessant oil pipeline leakages in the area. On the other hand, PAHs of pyrogenic sources were present predominantly in surface soils. an indication that gas flaring associated with oil exploration work in the Delta mostly affects the surface soils. An assessment using a set of widely cited sediment quality guidelines indicated that the majority of the sediment samples collected from the rivers of the delta does, not pose a serious threat to the ecosystem except for two locations, Imo river and Oginni canal where PAH-contaminated sediments were likely to be acutely toxic to certain sediment dwellers. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.