Microplastic load in the surface water and Tilapia sparrmanii (Smith, 1840) of the river systems of Okavango Delta, Botswana

Microplastics are 'emerging' contaminants that threatens freshwaters and may have negative impact on the aquatic organisms. However, Botswana has no information on the status of microplastics, including freshwater like the Okavango Delta- the largest, inland wetland hosting wildlife, tourism, and supporting the socio-economic lifestyle of inhabitants. This study assessed the spatial distribution and characterization of microplastics in surface water and in the digestive organs of fish (Tilapia sparrmanii) from the Okavango delta. Surface water samples (156) and whole intact fish (15) were collected and analysed for microplastic contents by wet peroxide oxidation, potassium hydroxide (fish only), density separation, extraction, and stereomicroscope identification. The weight of microplastics for surface water samples varied from 138.18 to 381.67 µg m-3 and abundance ranged from 10.18 to 22.67 items L-1 with significant difference observed between sites in both variables. In tilapia, the highest microplastic abundance were found in the intestines then the stomach and the gills from the fish samples. Most prevailing size ranges of microplastics in fish and water samples were 1-2 mm and 2-3 mm while the most abundant shapes were fragments and fibres, respectively. Translucent microplastics were dominant in all samples. The results indicate the presence of microplastics in the Okavango delta even though they are very low (µg m-3). This baseline information will provide insights on the loads of microplastics in surface water and the quantities ingested by fish in the Okavango delta hence the need for monitoring. It would also guide on the need for effective policies addressing plastic and microplastic pollution.