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Characterization of Microplastics polymer from the water and sediment of Upper River Benue, at Yola Metropolis, Adamawa State, Nigeria
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Researchers tested water and sediment samples from the Upper River Benue in Yola, Nigeria, collected monthly over fourteen months. Using infrared spectroscopy, they found microplastics made of polypropylene, nylon, polyester and PVC in the river, raising concerns about possible exposure risks for local fish.
The study presents pilot assessment of microplastics identification and characterization of different polymer classes in water and sediments from the Upper River Benue at Yola metropolis. Sampling was carried out for fourteen consecutives months at every first week of the month from February, 2025 to April, 2026. Water samples were collected in triplicates into a re-cleaned 1 L amber bottles at each of the sampling site. Sediment samples were obtained using an Ekman sediment grab. Three small portions (up to 500 g each) of the sediments were taken at each sampling site and put into an aluminium foil bags. Polymer differentiation was achieved using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The result indicates prevalence of polypropylene (PP), polyamide (nylon), polyester (PES) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The study demonstrate the presences of microplastics and the difference classes of polymer contamination in Upper River Benue at Yola metropolis and hence raises critical concerns about local fish population vulnerability to microplastics pollution.
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RETRACTED: Assessment of Microplastics in Water and Sediment of River Benue Troughs, Benue State, Nigeria
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This study investigated microplastic presence and ecological risk in the River Benue in Nigeria using FTIR spectroscopy, analyzing water and sediment samples. Microplastics were detected in both matrices at concentrations posing potential ecological risks, providing baseline data for a major African river system that has received limited attention in the global microplastic literature. Note: this paper has since been retracted.
Assessment of Microplastic Contamination in Surface Water of River Benue in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria
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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.
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.
Environmental Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Water and Sediments along Ibi Troughs North-East Nigeria
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Researchers conducted an environmental risk assessment of microplastics in water and sediments along the Ibi River in northeast Nigeria, using FTIR to identify polymer types and assessing ecological risk scores across five sampling sites.
Assessment of Physicochemical Characteristics, Polymer Identification and Total Coliform Counts in Selected Rivers in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
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Researchers analyzed microplastics in water samples from a Nigerian river system, characterizing their physicochemical properties, identifying polymer types via spectroscopy, and measuring total hydrocarbon content to assess the contamination burden and associated risks.
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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.