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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 Note: this paper has since been retracted.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging environmental contaminants with significant ecological and health implications. This study investigates the presence and risks of microplastics (MPs) in the River Benue, Nigeria, using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Water and sediment samples were collected from five locations along the river, with FTIR analysis revealing key functional groups such as alcohols, alkenes, amines, and carbonyls. Specifically, water samples from one site showed peaks at 3320 cm⁻¹ (O-H stretch, indicating alcohols) and 1640 cm⁻¹ (C=C stretch, indicating alkenes), while another site exhibited peaks at 3264 cm⁻¹ (N-H stretch, indicating amines) and 1640 cm⁻¹ (C=C stretch, indicating alkenes). Sediment samples showed significant peaks at 3622 cm⁻¹ (O-H stretch, indicating alcohols and phenols) and 2326 cm⁻¹ (C=N stretch, indicating nitriles). The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Risk Quotient (RQ) analyses confirmed varying levels of microplastic contamination, with potential environmental and health risks due to the leaching of toxic additives. The study underscores the need for continuous monitoring, stricter pollution control, and public education to mitigate microplastic pollution in this vital waterway.
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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.
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.
Compositional Profiles and Spatial Distribution of Microplastics Across Three Selected Rivers in Rivers State, Nigeria
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across three rivers in Rivers State, Nigeria, using FTIR and GC-MS to identify and quantify the particles. They found microplastics present in all sampled locations, with polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene among the most common polymers detected. The study provides baseline data on the composition and spatial distribution of microplastic pollution in Nigerian freshwater systems.
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