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Occurrence and Ecological Risk of Microplastics in the Upper Usuma River, Abuja, Nigeria
Summary
Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic pollution in the Upper Usuma River in Abuja, Nigeria, sampling both surface water and sediment. The study found widespread microplastic contamination that increased downstream, with fragments and films from single-use plastics being the dominant types. Ecological risk was generally low upstream but moderate downstream, reflecting growing pressure from human activities on this freshwater resource.
This dataset and study present the first comprehensive assessment of microplastic pollution in the Upper Usuma River, Abuja, Nigeria. Microplastics plastic particles smaller than 5 mm are emerging contaminants of global concern due to their persistence, ubiquity, and potential ecological and human health impacts. Surface water and sediment samples were collected from upstream, midstream, and downstream locations along the river. Microplastics were extracted using density separation with a saturated sodium chloride solution, identified visually under a stereomicroscope, and categorized by shape (fibers, fragments, films, beads) and colour. Ecological risk was evaluated using the Risk Quotient (RQ) method. Results indicate widespread occurrence of microplastics, with concentrations increasing downstream. Fragments and films dominated the microplastic assemblage, reflecting the influence of single-use plastics. Ecological risk was generally low upstream but moderate downstream, highlighting the growing anthropogenic pressure on this critical freshwater resource. The dataset provides baseline information on microplastic contamination in the Upper Usuma River and supports research, monitoring, and policy development aimed at improving freshwater ecosystem management and public health protection in Nigeria.