We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics Contamination of Surface Water and Selected Fish Species in Ovia River, Southern Nigeria
Summary
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in surface water and two fish species (Notopterus afer and Heterobranchus bidorsalis) from Ovia River in Southern Nigeria, using SEM, FTIR, and EDX to characterize particle size distribution, polymer composition, and elemental contamination. The study provides baseline data on microplastic pollution in a West African river system and documents uptake of plastic particles by commercially important fish species.
This study examines microplastic contamination of surface water and two fish species (Notopterus afer and Heterobranchus bidorsalis) in Ovia River, Southern Nigeria, utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) to assess particle size distribution (PSD), polymer composition, and elemental contamination. The results showed that polyvinyl alcohol (PVA; 31%) and nylon (28%) were the dominant polymers in surface water. Other prominent polymers recorded were polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), accounting for 5% each, with smaller amounts of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cellophane, and polyurethane. In the fish species, the dominant polymers were LDPE (32%) and PP (31%), followed by PVA (16%), PET (16%), and cellophane (5%). However, H. bidorsalis exhibited a more diverse and complex microplastic polymer profile than N. afer. The SEM analysis of surface water and fish samples showed spatial variations in the mean microplastic particle size. The mean particle size in surface water samples was highest in station 2 (4.02 ± 4.25 µm), station 1 (3.60 ± 3.38 µm), station 4 (2.72 ± 2.20 µm), and station 3 (2.25 ± 2.21 µm), respectively. The fish species exhibited a similar trend for N. afer (3.11 ± 1.59 µm) and H. bidorsalis (3.07 ± 1.84 µm). The elemental composition using the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in surface water and fish species identified Cl, N, Na, C, Ca, Mg, Si, P, K, Al, Fe, S, Ti, Ag, and Mn as additives to microplastics with high-intensity peaks of chlorine and carbon. Overall, the Ovia River ecosystem is moderately polluted with microplastics, and there is evidence of bioaccumulation in the two commonly consumed fish species.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Surface Water and Sediments of Otammiri River, Imo State, Nigeria
Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in the surface water and sediments of Otammiri River, characterizing the abundance, morphology, polymer types, and spatial distribution of microplastics to evaluate contamination levels and ecological risks in this Nigerian freshwater system.
Preliminary investigation of the spatio-seasonal distribution of microplastics in the surface water of River Benue, North Central Nigeria
This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of microplastic pollution in Nigeria's River Benue, collecting surface water samples during both rainy and dry seasons and analyzing them with FTIR spectroscopy. Microplastic abundance was higher during the dry season, with particle sizes of 1.5–3 mm most common — a range that raises particular concern because fish can easily ingest them. Risk indices indicated moderate to severe pollution at multiple sites, correlating with commerce, transportation, and waste disposal activities along the riverbanks. These baseline findings are crucial for developing water management strategies in an understudied African river system.
Compositional Profiles and Spatial Distribution of Microplastics Across Three Selected Rivers in Rivers State, Nigeria
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across three rivers in Rivers State, Nigeria, using FTIR and GC-MS to identify and quantify the particles. They found microplastics present in all sampled locations, with polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene among the most common polymers detected. The study provides baseline data on the composition and spatial distribution of microplastic pollution in Nigerian freshwater systems.
Assessment of fishes, sediment and water from some inland rivers across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria for microplastics
Researchers analyzed fish, sediment, and water samples from inland rivers in Nigeria for microplastic contamination, finding particles across all matrices sampled. The study provides baseline pollution data for a region with limited prior microplastic monitoring.
Assessment of Microplastic Contamination in Surface Water of River Benue in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria
Researchers sampled surface water at five sites along the Benue River in Makurdi, Nigeria, and found microplastic contamination at all locations, with concentrations varying depending on proximity to urban and industrial activities such as markets, rice mills, and bridges. FTIR analysis identified the polymer types present, and the work provides baseline contamination data for a major West African river that has received little prior attention. The findings highlight that microplastic pollution in African freshwater systems is real and measurable, and calls for expanded monitoring across the continent.