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Distribution and Health Risk Assessment of Microplastics in fishes, water and sediment from Nigerian Inland Rivers during the Rainy Season
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Researchers found that heavy rains wash more tiny plastic bits into Nigerian rivers, and these plastics build up in fish—especially in their guts—with one river (Benue) showing the highest contamination. While the amount of plastic people would actually consume by eating this fish was lower than global averages, scientists are still concerned because microplastics can carry harmful chemicals, meaning long-term risks may be underestimated by just counting plastic particles alone.
This study investigates the distribution, characteristics, and potential human health risks of microplastics (MPs) in water, sediments, and fish from seven Nigerian inland rivers during the rainy season of 2023. MP abundance was significantly influenced by seasonal hydrology, with higher concentrations observed in fish (up to 58 ± 0.58 particles/g in River Benue) and water (up to 48 ± 8.12 particles/50 mL in River Argungu) compared to dry season levels, attributable to enhanced runoff and mobilization of land-based plastics. Sediments showed reduced MP levels during the rainy season due to resuspension and downstream transport. Fibres dominated in fish (48.5%) and sediments (49.3%), while fragments prevailed in water (60.3%). Fifteen polymer types were identified via FTIR, with polystyrene exhibiting bioaccumulation in fish (27.8% in gills to 52.4% in guts), polypropylene prevalent across compartments, and ethylene vinyl acetate dominant in water (68%). Principal component analysis revealed distinct compartmental associations, with fish and sediments clustering together, indicating transfer pathways. Estimated daily intake (EDI) through fish and water consumption was low, with fish as the primary exposure route and River Benue posing the highest risk. Although EDI values were substantially below global estimates, the role of MPs as vectors for chemical contaminants underscores potential long-term health concerns. These findings highlight the exacerbating effect of the rainy season on MP pollution in Nigerian freshwater systems and emphasize the need for targeted mitigation strategies.
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Assessment of Microplastic Pollution, Seasonal Dynamic and Polymer Composition in Water, Sediment, and Fish from Mairuwa Reservoir, Funtua, Katsina Northwestern Nigeria
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) contaminating a Nigerian reservoir's water, mud, and fish, with pollution getting worse during the rainy season due to runoff from packaging, clothing fibers, and fishing gear. Surprisingly, drinking the water carries about 10 times more microplastic risk than eating fish from the same reservoir, highlighting that untreated drinking water may be an overlooked source of plastic exposure for communities relying on this reservoir. The findings support calls for better water filtration and plastic waste management to protect public health.
Seasonal Variation in Microplastic Abundance and Distribution in Sediments of the Andoni River Estuary, Nigeria
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Scientists found tiny plastic bits in a Nigerian river estuary, with more showing up during rainy season and near areas with illegal oil siphoning and fishing activity. This matters because these waters feed local fisheries, meaning the plastics (and whatever chemicals they carry) could work their way into seafood people eat.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Commercial Fish Species in Nigeria: A Case Study of Lower Usuma Dam and Jabi Lake, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
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Researchers found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in the guts of most fish, up to 80% of samples, caught from two water sources in Nigeria's capital region, along with dozens of plastic particles in the surrounding lake water. Since these fish are commonly eaten locally, this raises real questions about whether people could be unknowingly consuming microplastics through their diet, though more research is needed to understand the actual health risks. This study is one of the first to document the problem in Nigerian waters, highlighting a pollution issue that likely deserves closer attention worldwide.
Assessment of fishes, sediment and water from some inland rivers across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria for microplastics
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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.
Preliminary investigation of the spatio-seasonal distribution of microplastics in the surface water of River Benue, North Central Nigeria
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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.
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