We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics distribution and characterization in epipsammic sediments of tropical Atlantic Ocean, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists studying beaches in Lagos, Nigeria found tiny plastic bits, mostly common plastics like polyethylene and polystyrene, buried in the sand, with waves and currents pushing them further inland over time. While risk levels were low to medium for now, these plastics can enter the food chain through fish and shellfish, which is why tracking them matters for both ocean health and what ends up on our plates.
Recent reports indicate that microplastics (MPs) show both temporal and spatial variations therefore, regional data collection and environmental dynamics are vital aspects of understanding the underlying sources and factors that influence the abundance and dispersion of the plastic particles. This paper presents a baseline report on the abundance of microplastics across three tidal waterlines (high, drift and current) of the tropical Atlantic ecosystem. Microplastics (1 – 5 mm) occurrence and distribution in epipsammic sediments of five beaches in Lagos, Nigeria (Gulf of Guinea) were assessed. The microplastics were extracted by density flotation using saturated solution of NaCl and the identification of polymer types was done by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR. Results showed significant variations in the population of MPs in the three tidal waterlines with the high and drift waterlines accounting for 58.83% and 41.16% of the total MPs, respectively while no MPs were detected in the current waterline sediment. Polyethylene, polystyrene and polypropylene were the most abundant polymers recorded. Fragments were predominantly detected and pre-production pellets formed only 5.27% of total microplastics. Polymer risk index calculations showed low to medium risk of the microplastics found and local hydrodynamic conditions such as Ocean surges and current intensity were observed to influence the distribution and dispersion of microplastics. Continuous monitoring of MPs abundance is necessary to minimize the polymers’ risk to the ecosystem.
More Papers Like This
Distribution and Characterization of Microplastic Debris in Halomorphic Shoreline Sediment of Southwest, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists studied beach sand along the coast of southwest Nigeria and found tiny plastic pieces called microplastics scattered throughout the shoreline soil. These plastics can come from broken-down bottles, bags, and fishing gear, and they can work their way into the food chain, through fish and shellfish, eventually ending up on our plates. This matters because as plastic pollution builds up in coastal environments, it raises concerns about long-term exposure risks for people who rely on these areas for food and recreation.
Characterization and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Sediments of a Tropical West African Lagoon Ecosystem
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in sediments from four sites along Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria, finding MP abundance of 9–12 particles/kg with PET fibers dominating, and identifying potentially toxic polymers that pose long-term ecological risks to this West African coastal ecosystem.
Microplastics distribution and characterization in epipsammic sediments of tropical Atlantic Ocean, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
This baseline study documented microplastic abundance and distribution across three tidal zones at five beaches in Lagos, Nigeria, finding the particles in all sampled sediments with density flotation as the extraction method. The study provides the first regional data on microplastic pollution in Atlantic Gulf of Guinea beach sediments, highlighting the need for expanded monitoring in West Africa.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Surface Sediments of Beaches in Lagos, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in beach sediments at all four sampled sites in Lagos State, Nigeria, with fragments dominating and polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene identified. The results provide baseline data for West Africa's most populous city and highlight the need for better waste management in rapidly urbanizing coastal regions.
Assessment of microplastics occurrence and abundance in water and sediment from Lekki Lagoon, Ogun State, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested water and sediment from Lekki Lagoon in Nigeria for tiny plastic particles called microplastics. They found microplastics in all samples, mostly fragment-shaped and black in color, made of plastics like PET, LDPE, PVC and PP, suggesting aquatic animals in the lagoon could be exposed to these particles.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.