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Preliminary Investigation of Microplastics in Roadside Soils of Port Harcourt and Elele in Rivers State, Nigeria
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A preliminary survey of roadside soils in Rivers State, Nigeria found microplastics present at all sampled sites, with the highest concentrations on the most heavily trafficked roads — suggesting vehicle tire wear and road-related plastic debris are important local sources. The study is one of the first to document roadside microplastic contamination in this region, highlighting a gap in African environmental monitoring.
This study evaluated the occurrence of microplastics in roadside soils in Port Harcourt and Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria. Topsoil samples were collected from three major road networks in Rivers State (Port Harcourt city internal roads, Port Harcourt to Elele Road, and Elele to Owerri road). Microplastics were extracted from the samples using density separation and quantified via microscopy. Microplastic abundances in the samples ranged from 3 particles/50 gram - 20 particles/50 gram. The highest number of microplastic particles were found on roads with the highest traffic density. Secondary microplastics were most abundant in the samples as fragments constituted 69% of the total plastics and made up 67%, 73% and 70% of Port Harcourt internal roads, Port Harcourt to Elele road and Elele to Owerri road, respectively. This study presents baseline data on microplastics in roadside soils in an urban Nigerian city and highlights the contribution of road traffic and vehicles to both terrestrial and aquatic microplastics as well as the need for routine monitoring in order to mitigate plastic pollution.
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Researchers detected microplastics in soil samples collected from roadside areas, finding plastic particles at multiple locations and noting that road traffic generates microplastics through tire wear and pavement abrasion. Roads and their immediate surroundings are significant terrestrial sources and repositories of microplastics that can be transported by wind and runoff.
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in river water and sediments across southwestern Nigeria, providing some of the first baseline data for the region. They found microplastics at every sampling site, with fibers and fragments being the most common forms, and concentrations varying by season and location. The study points to urban runoff, agricultural activities, and inadequate waste management as the primary sources of this pollution.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.