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Integrated Assessment of Microplastic Distribution, Polymer Characterization, and Combined Toxicity with Petroleum Hydrocarbons in an Oil Spill–Prone Marine Ecosystem of the Niger Delta
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Researchers studied water, sediment, and animals such as crabs, prawns, and fish in Nigeria's Okulu Aleto River, finding more microplastics and oil-related chemicals near industrial and downstream areas. Microplastics were found inside sampled animals, and sites with more microplastics also had more oil chemicals and fewer kinds of aquatic life.
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue globally, particularly in aquatic ecosystems impacted by industrial and urban activities. In the Niger Delta, oil spillprone rivers face compounded risks from petroleum hydrocarbons and plastic waste, yet comprehensive assessments of their combined effects are limited. This study investigated the distribution of microplastics (MPs), polymer composition, and co-occurring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Okulu Aleto River, Nigeria. Water, sediment, and biota samples were collected from upstream, midstream, downstream, and industrial effluent sites and analyzed using microscopic, gravimetric, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and GC-MS techniques. Results revealed significant spatial variation, with midstream and downstream sites exhibiting the highest concentrations of MPs and PAHs, while upstream controls showed minimal contamination. Sediments accumulated higher MP loads than surface waters, and biota including crabs, prawns, and fish ingested microplastics, indicating bioaccumulation and potential trophic transfer. FTIR and GC-MS analyses identified polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, cellulose derivatives, polymethylmethacrylate, and siloxanes, largely associated with industrial sources. Statistical analysis showed strong positive correlations between MP abundance and PAH levels (r = 0.84) and negative correlations with aquatic biodiversity (r = -0.76), suggesting enhanced ecological risks through vector effects. The findings underscore the need for integrated pollution management, stricter industrial effluent controls, and environmental monitoring to mitigate microplastic and hydrocarbon contamination in the Niger Delta.
More Papers Like This
Examining the Interaction Between Microplastics and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Okulu Aleto River, Eleme: Environmental Implications
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Researchers found high levels of microplastics and toxic chemicals called PAHs in a heavily industrialized Nigerian river, especially near factory wastewater discharge points. The two pollutants tend to travel together, meaning plastic bits may act as carriers that ferry toxic chemicals into the water and into animals like crabs and prawns, raising concerns about these pollutants moving up the food chain to humans who eat seafood from contaminated waters.
Presence and Abundance of Microplastics in Benthic Organisms from Some Niger Delta, Nigeria Coastal Rivers
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Researchers investigated the presence and abundance of microplastics in benthic organisms collected from coastal rivers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, documenting contamination levels in organisms from these ecologically significant waterways.
Presence and Abundance of Microplastics in Benthic Organisms from Some Niger Delta, Nigeria Coastal Rivers
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Researchers examined benthic organisms—crabs, oysters, shrimps, lobsters, and others—from seven rivers in Nigeria's Niger Delta, finding 100% microplastic presence across all species and all sampling sites.
Characterization of Microplastics Residue in Water and Biota of Majidun Estuarines, Lagos Nigeria
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Researchers characterized microplastics in surface water and commercially harvested aquatic species from the Majidun River estuary in Lagos, Nigeria, providing the first documented assessment of microplastic pollution in this location. Multiple polymer types were identified in both water and biota samples.
Assessment of the incidence of microplastics at Ndibe, Cross River, Nigeria
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Researchers assessed microplastic occurrence in water and fish samples from Ndibe Beach on the Cross River in Nigeria, documenting widespread contamination at a popular recreational site and highlighting the threat microplastics pose to aquatic ecosystems and local communities in the Niger Delta region.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.