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Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Selected Water Bodies in Rivers State, Nigeria
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Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in water, sediment, and fish samples from two water bodies in Rivers State, Nigeria — the freshwater New Calabar River and the estuarine Bonny River — detecting polyethylene, PET, polystyrene, and polypropylene along with plasticizers including dioctyl terephthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ether in all sample types. FTIR analysis confirmed polystyrene-type polymers, and the authors called for greater public awareness and measures to prevent macroplastic dumping in these waterways.
This study aimed to assess of microplastic pollution in selected water bodies in River State, Nigeria. Two water bodies, one fresh water (New Calabar River) and one estuary (Bonny River) were sampled in the present study for presence of microplastics in water, sediment and fish samples in the aquatic milieu. Microplastics were extracted using standard methods and were characterized using GCMS. Four plastic types namely polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polypropylene was detected in all samples. Likewise, four plasticizers namely dioctyl terephthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ether, acrylic fibre and tetrabromobisphenol A were all detected in sediment, water and fish samples from Bonny River and New Calabar River. FTIR analysis of microplastics showed patterns typical of polystyrene. This study has shown that water, sediment and fish samples contain microplastics. This is a worrisome development as the water are used for domestic purposes among persons resident along the water courses and the fish species sampled is commonly available as source of protein for majority of persons. This calls for greater enlightenment on the possible danger of microplastics pollution in the study area and for measures to check macroplastics pollution, which bring about microplastics pollution in the aquatic environment. Such measures should include promotion of the use of plant material as food wrappings and to dissuade dumping of solid waste in the rivers.
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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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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.
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in surface water and two fish species (Notopterus afer and Heterobranchus bidorsalis) from Ovia River in Southern Nigeria, using SEM, FTIR, and EDX to characterize particle size distribution, polymer composition, and elemental contamination. The study provides baseline data on microplastic pollution in a West African river system and documents uptake of plastic particles by commercially important fish species.
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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.
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