Characterization of Microplastics in the Sediment of Azuabie and Eagle Island Creeks, Rivers State, Niger Delta

Microplastics are dispersed throughout the world’s ocean and is often found in shorelines, seabed sediments, beaches, and wastewater effluents. they can accumulate in the tissues, serve as vehicles for transport of pathogens, adsorb and accumulate toxic pollutants. The small size of microplastics makes them easily available for ingestion by different species of fish in the marine environment. This study was undertaken to identify and characterize the microplastic in the sediment of Azuabie and Eagle Island Creek in Rivers State, Nigeria. Microplastic characterization was achieved following standard procedures using micro-Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (Agilent Cary 630 FTIR). The result revealed that microplastic shape in the sediments of Azuabie and Eagle Island Creeks were dominated by microplastic filament followed by fragment in both stations with Eagle Island creek having the highest Percentage while other shapes like Film, bead and foam were not found. Microplastic (>1mm) was the most prevalent size identified. Polypropylene and Polyethylene were the only polymer type detected in both stations with Polypropylene the most prevalent polymer type in both stations. The study further revealed the presence of black and blue coloured microplastics with black colour occurring the most in Azuabie Creek, statistically the values were not significantly different. Therefore, based on the result of this study, there is a need for constant monitoring of wastes discharged into both Azuabie and Eagle Island Creeks by the regulatory bodies in order to reduce their levels in the aquatic ecosystem.