We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Baseline characterisation of microplastics in surface water, sediment, and seafood from the Escravos Estuary, Nigeria
Summary
Researchers established baseline microplastic data for the Escravos Estuary in Nigeria's Niger Delta, finding contamination in water, sediment, fish, crabs, and periwinkles. Fibers and fragments were the most common types, with nylon and PET identified in seafood samples. Since local communities depend heavily on these waterways for food, the findings highlight a direct route for microplastic ingestion through the consumption of contaminated seafood.
• Microplastics (MPs) in matrices revealed sources and impacts on local ecosystems. • Fibres and filaments dominated, with blue MPs prevalent in water and sediments. • MP sources include urban runoff, industrial waste, and local fishing activities. • Seafood exhibited common polymer contamination, including Nylon and PET. • Urgent need for improved waste management to mitigate MPs potential health risks. Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive global contaminants with significant ecological and public health implications. This study establishes baseline data on MPs in water, sediment, fish, crab, and periwinkle from Okerenkoko and Kurutie along the Escravos Estuary in the Niger Delta. Samples were analyzed using microscopic observation and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. MPs ranged from 4.2 µm to 800 µm, with 134 particles identified: 50 particles/L in water and 29 particles/kg/dw in crabs. Fibres (40 particles) and fragments (35 particles) were predominant, with Okerenkoko contributing 74 particles and Kurutie 60 particles. Fibres and filaments were prevalent in both locations, while pellets were absent in Kurutie. Notably, blue was the dominant colour, with 60% of filaments and 70% of fibres in Okerenkoko, and 40% of fibres and 36.36% of filaments in Kurutie. Water samples showed an average of 0.33 ± 0.21 particles/L for films and 3.67 ± 0.49 particles/L for fibres. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in nurdles, pellets, fibres, and filaments across samples (P > 0.05). Principal Component Analysis indicated industrial sources for certain MPs, while linear regression revealed a weak negative relationship between MPs concentrations in different matrices (adjusted R² = 0.053). FTIR analysis identified polystyrene in water, nylon in sediment and fish, PVC in Kurutie sediment, and PET in crabs, suggesting varied pollution sources. These findings highlight the urgent need for ongoing research, improved waste management, and heightened public awareness to mitigate MPs pollution and safeguard ecosystems and human health in the region.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics Pollution of Water, Sediment, and Selected Fish Species from Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Researchers sampled water, sediment, and multiple fish species from three communities in Sagbama, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, to characterize microplastic contamination across aquatic compartments. Microplastics were detected in all matrices, with fibers dominating, establishing baseline contamination data for this Niger Delta region where residents rely heavily on local fish for food.
Microplastics Pollution of Water, Sediment, and Selected Fish Species from Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Researchers sampled water, sediment, and multiple fish species from three communities in Sagbama, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, to characterize microplastic contamination across aquatic compartments. Microplastics were detected in all matrices, with fibers dominating, establishing baseline contamination data for this Niger Delta region where residents rely heavily on local fish for food.
Presence and Abundance of Microplastics in Benthic Organisms from Some Niger Delta, Nigeria Coastal Rivers
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.
Presence and Abundance of Microplastics in Benthic Organisms from Some Niger Delta, Nigeria Coastal Rivers
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.
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.