Application of Index Models for Assessing Freshwater Microplastics Pollution

Due to the differences in reporting units and methodology on microplastics (MP) studies, there has been some difficulty in comparing results across studies. In this study, we presented index models that can be address this issue. Index models for pollution and health risks assessment was applied to MP data obtained from rivers in Nwangele L.G.A. Models such as microplastics contamination factor (MPCF), microplastics pollution load index (MPPLI), Microplastics polymer risk indices (Hi) and pollution risk index (MPR) for pollution and contamination assessment. Health risk models such estimated daily intake (EDI) and microplastic carcinogenic risks (MPCR) through oral and dermal pathway were also presented and applied. Results showed that there is no direct correlation of MP abundance with MPR. However, Hi correlated but with MPR. Increased MPs pollution risks and levels were extensively subject to the presence of harmful MPs polymers, just as the high MPs pollution loads index (MPPLI). The index models enabled easy comparison of MP pollution of the different rivers and provided concise information on the status of MPs in the rivers.