Assessing microplastic contamination levels in ghana's mangrove wetlands

Plastic pollution is an escalating global crisis that poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems and their biodiversity. Mangroves are one such ecosystem that suffers from pollution; the morphology of mangrove trees tends to increase plastic accumulation, trapping all sizes of plastic. These regions are key providers of crucial ecological services like improving water quality, sequestering carbon (C) and protecting coastlines from erosion. This study's aim is to investigate the levels of microplastic (MP) contamination in mangroves from Ghana's Western and Central regions. Four mangrove regions, Kakum, and Narkwa – urbanised (dense population/communities) in the Central region and Ankobra and Amanzule – rural (more preserved) in the West region, were studied. Water and sediment samples were collected from each region, digested, oil-extracted, filtered and t identified using an ATR-FTIR. Strict protocols were followed to prevent contamination of the samples. A total of 1303 particles were analysed from sediment and water samples, 65 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/558552/document