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Presence of microplastics in benthic macroinvertebrates along the Kenyan coast
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This study found microplastics in an oyster species and three crab species collected along the Kenyan coast, with fibers being the dominant particle type. The detection of microplastics in common coastal invertebrates in Kenya raises concerns about human exposure through traditional seafood consumption in East African coastal communities.
Microplastics (MPs) are plastics less than 5 mm in diameter. Their small size renders them invisible to deposit- and filter-feeding fauna, leading to unintentional ingestion. This study investigated the presence of MPs in an oyster (Saccostrea cuccullata) and three species of brachyuran crabs (Tubuca dussumieri, Cranuca inversa and Gelasimus vocans) along the Kenyan coast. Sampling was carried out at eight stations distributed between three sites: Tudor, Port Reitz and Mida creeks, in January and February 2018, during low spring tide. The sample comprised 206 crabs and 70 oysters. Samples were digested using 10% KOH at 60 °C for 24 hours and then passed through 38-µm sieves. Sieved products (<38 µm) were filtered through Whatman filter membranes (0.8 µm) and viewed under a dissecting microscope for MPs. The study identified mainly MP fibres, which were of different colours: red, yellow, black, pink, orange, purple, green, blue and colourless. Colourless fibres were the most prevalent, comprising at least 60% of the total MPs. Mean lengths of MPs fibres of different colours were between 0.1 and 4.2 mm. The mean concentration of MPs (MPs g−1 wet tissue) was 0.65 (SE 0.13) in crabs and 3.36 (SE 0.53) in oysters, and the difference between the two taxa was significant (independent two-sample t-test: t = 5.61, df = 14, p = 0.01). The higher mean concentration in oysters was attributed mainly to their filter-feeding habit. This study exposes MP pollution along the Kenyan coast and its uptake by marine fauna, and thus strengthens the case for better control of plastic wastes in the ocean.
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Microplastics pollution in the sediments of creeks and estuaries of Kenya, western Indian Ocean
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Microplastic contamination was documented in sediments of creeks and estuaries along the Kenyan coast in the western Indian Ocean, with higher concentrations near urban centers and tourist areas, filling a major gap in microplastic monitoring data for East African coastal ecosystems and confirming regional contamination levels comparable to more studied ocean regions.
Occurrence of microplastics in wild oysters (Crassostrea tulipa) from the Gulf of Guinea and their potential human exposure
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Researchers found that 84% of wild mangrove oysters from Ghana's coast had ingested microplastics, with fibers being the most common type, highlighting potential human health exposure through seafood consumption in the Gulf of Guinea.
Quantification and characterization of microplastics ingested by mangrove oysters across West Africa
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Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in mangrove oysters from five West African countries and found plastic particles in every sample, with the Gambia having the highest levels. Microfibers, particularly those from textiles, were the most common type found, with polyethylene being the dominant polymer across all countries. The findings raise concerns about human exposure to microplastics through oyster consumption in the region.
Microplastics Contamination of Fish From The Creeks Along The Kenya Coast, Western Indian Ocean (WIO).
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This study found microplastics in five common food fish species along the Kenya coast of the Indian Ocean, with bottom-dwelling fish showing higher contamination than pelagic or reef fish. The findings indicate that plastic pollution has reached East African coastal fisheries, with potential implications for food safety among communities that depend on seafood.
Occurrence and ingestion of microplastics by zooplankton in Kenya's marine environment: first documented evidence
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Researchers documented the first evidence of microplastic ingestion by zooplankton in Kenyan coastal waters, finding an average of 110 microplastic particles per cubic metre at the sea surface, with 129 particles recovered from zooplankton including chaetognaths, copepods, amphipods, and fish larvae. Filaments dominated both water and ingested microplastics, comprising 76% and 97% of their respective compositions.
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