Environmental Sustainability Implications of Microplastic Accumulation in Riverbank Vegetation of the Niger, Omambala, and Idemili Rivers

The problem of microplastic contamination in freshwater is a significant threat to environmental sustainability, but the effects of this issue on riverbank vegetation are not well understood. In this context, the study examined microplastic accumulation among plant communities in the Niger, Omambala, and Idemili Rivers in Anambra State, Nigeria, using stratified random sampling in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. Vegetation samples (n= 270) were collected from three common plant species, Eichhornia crassipes, Nymphaea spp., and Cyperus spp., to identify and measure microplastic particles majorly through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results showed significantly higher concentrations of microplastics in urban areas; notably, the Niger River was the most contaminated, with a mean of 42.1 particles/g in urban sites, compared to 18.3 particles/g in rural sites. Polyethylene (46.1%) and polypropylene (32.3%) were the most prevalent polymers. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between microplastic load and water turbidity (r=0.72), as well as between heavy metal concentrations and microplastic deposition in vegetation (r=0.55). These models suggest a risk to key ecosystem services such as soil stability, water filtration, and biodiversity, which directly impacts local communities relying on these rivers for agriculture and fishing. The findings highlight an urgent need for more robust waste management, plastic reduction policies, and ongoing environmental monitoring. This paper provides valuable baseline data on microplastic pollution in Nigeria’s freshwater systems. It offers evidence-based guidance for sustainable environmental practices to mitigate plastic contamination in aquatic and terrestrial environments worldwide.