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Evaluating Ecosystem Pollution Indices of Heavy Metals in Microplastics in Surface Water, South-South, Nigeria
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Scientists tested tiny plastic bits from Nigerian creek water and found they carry low levels of heavy metals like copper and nickel, with higher amounts during dry seasons. The good news: overall contamination and health risk levels were low, though scientists say they should keep watching for pollution from cities and industry, since microplastics can carry pollutants into water we use and fish we eat.
This study evaluates the ecosystem pollution indices of heavy metals in microplastics in surface water (MCPW) from the brackish water estuaries of Woji, Elelenwo, and Okujagu Creeks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The analysis, conducted in 2021, focuses on assessing the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Cr, Fe, Hg) in MCPW during dry and wet seasons, alongside the determinations of pollution indices: Pollution Load Index (PLI), Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and Contamination Factor (CF). Results revealed significant seasonal variations, with higher heavy metal concentrations during the dry season, attributed to reduced dilution and increased runoff in the wet season. Copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) exhibited moderate contamination, especially in the dry season, while other metals like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) were either below detection limits or showed low contamination levels. The PLI and PERI values indicated minimal anthropogenic pollution, with low ecological risk, which was reinforced by the Geoaccumulation and Contamination Factor indices. The seasonal variations in heavy metal concentrations underscore the influence of hydrological dynamics on pollutant dispersion. Despite relatively low contamination, localized enrichment of Cu and Ni highlights the need for continued monitoring, especially considering potential urban runoff and industrial discharge. Overall, the results suggest that MCPW is under low pollution stress, though future land-use changes and human activities may impact the region’s pollution trends.
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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.
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This study investigated the occurrence of heavy metals associated with microplastics in surface waters in Otuoke, Nigeria, finding that MPs adsorb and concentrate toxic metals and may serve as vectors for metal exposure in local communities consuming fish. (Duplicate record of ID 11006.)
Occurrence and Health Implications of Heavy Metals in Microplastics from Otuoke Surface Waters
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Microplastics collected from surface waters in Otuoke, Nigeria were analyzed for adsorbed heavy metals, with health risk assessments indicating that consumption of contaminated aquatic organisms could pose risks to local populations from metal-laden plastic particles.
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.
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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.
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