We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Eco-toxic Risk Assessment of microplastics in water and sediment across Nigeria Offshore, Gulf of Guinea
Summary
Researchers assessed microplastic distribution and ecological risk in water and sediment across Nigeria's offshore waters in the Gulf of Guinea. They found microplastic concentrations of 48 particles per liter in water and 73 particles per kilogram in sediment, with the Eastern Zone showing the highest contamination levels. The ecological risk assessment revealed high polymer risk index values across all zones, indicating potential environmental concern for these marine ecosystems.
Globally, the environmental impacts of microplastics (MPs) as emerging pollutants have drawn a lot of attention. This study aimed to assess the distribution and associated potential ecotoxic risk of MPs in the water and sediment of Nigeria's offshore waters. Water and sediment samples were collected from sixteen (16) stations in October 2023 and analysed using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and stereomicroscopy. For physical characterization, the composition of MPs in sediment and water was 73 particles/kg and 48 particles/L, respectively, while the ATR-FTIR composition at the Eastern Zone (EZ) was 705 particles/L and 1033 particles/kg, the Central Zone (CZ) was 212 particles/L and 338 particles/kg, and the Western Zone (WZ) was 223 particles/L and 218 particles/kg. The identified MPs shapes were filaments, plastic films, fibre, and microbeads. Polychloroprene (CR) (18.10% and 16.86%) at EZ and CZ and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (20.64%) at WZ were most abundant in sediment, respectively. In comparison, PVA (22.3%, 22.2%, and 21.08%) was most abundant across EZ, CZ, and WZ in water. The polymer-based plastic contamination factors (ppCf) and pollution load index (pPLI) showed low contamination and pollution load, and the polymer risk index (pRi) showed medium and low risk in water and sediment, respectively. The polymer ecological risks index (pERI) showed a high-risk level (pERI: 1,001-10,000) in water and sediment across the EZ, CZ, and WZ of the Nigerian offshore waters. In marine environments, an extensive environmental monitoring program and trend forecasting for microplastics are crucial. This study will provide theoretical and technical support for developing efficient legislation or policy on the prevention and control of plastic pollution.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Characterization and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Sediments of a Tropical West African Lagoon Ecosystem
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in sediments from four sites along Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria, finding MP abundance of 9–12 particles/kg with PET fibers dominating, and identifying potentially toxic polymers that pose long-term ecological risks to this West African coastal ecosystem.
Occurrence and distribution of micro(meso)plastic-sorbed heavy metals and metalloids in sediments, Gulf of Guinea coast (SE Atlantic)
Researchers analyzed the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals and metalloids associated with micro- and mesoplastics in sediments along the Gulf of Guinea coast in Nigeria. The study found that beach microplastics were dominated by polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, and carried a range of potentially toxic metals, providing baseline data for ecological risk assessment.
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.
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 Microplastic Pollution in Surface Water and Sediments of Otammiri River, Imo State, Nigeria
Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in the surface water and sediments of Otammiri River, characterizing the abundance, morphology, polymer types, and spatial distribution of microplastics to evaluate contamination levels and ecological risks in this Nigerian freshwater system.