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Dataset on microplastics and associated trace metals and phthalate esters in sandy beaches of tropical Atlantic ecosystems, Nigeria
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This dataset paper reports on microplastics found on four beaches in Nigeria's Gulf of Guinea, along with associated phthalate esters and heavy metals. The data confirm that microplastics in this region carry harmful chemical contaminants, raising concern for coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
This article presents data on the occurrence and distribution of phthalate esters and metals associated with microplastics (MPs) (1-5 mm) collected from four beaches in the tropical Atlantic ecosystems, Nigeria, Gulf of Guinea. Information on microplastics extraction by density flotation with saturated NaCl and polymer identification with attenuated total reflectance infra-red spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) is also provided. Analysis of six phthalate esters (PAEs) (dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DnBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), di (ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and di n-octyl phthalate (DnOP)) associated with the microplastics by performed using Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Metals including Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Si, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, and Zn were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The data present the separation of microplastics from sediment, extraction with cyclohexane/ethyl acetate (1:1, v/v) and 10% HNO3 for phthalate esters and metals, respectively, and the determination of target analytes concentrations. The compositional distributions of MPs and levels of carcinogenic and toxic metals and phthalate esters are presented. The dataset could be used for the evaluation of ecological risk associated with PAEs in the marine ecosystems.
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This data article presents the first measurements of hydrophobic organic contaminants (PAHs, PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides) and microplastics in beach and lagoon sediments along the Gulf of Guinea coastline in West Africa, collected between August and November 2019. Sediment samples from ten sites at each location were analyzed along three waterline transects using density flotation and sieving. The dataset provides primary data on plastic types, polymer composition, and co-occurring organic pollutants in a previously understudied coastal region of the Southeast Atlantic.
Occurrence and distribution of micro(meso)plastic-sorbed heavy metals and metalloids in sediments, Gulf of Guinea coast (SE Atlantic)
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Researchers analyzed the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals and metalloids associated with micro- and mesoplastics in sediments along the Gulf of Guinea coast in Nigeria. The study found that beach microplastics were dominated by polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, and carried a range of potentially toxic metals, providing baseline data for ecological risk assessment.
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics-sorbed phthalic acid esters (PAEs) in coastal psammitic sediments of tropical Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Guinea
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Researchers investigated microplastic pollution and phthalate ester (PAE) contamination in littoral sediments at five beaches along the Gulf of Guinea, finding 3424 microplastic particles per square meter dominated by PET fragments. Ecological risk assessment indicated that DEHP and dibutyl phthalate sorbed to microplastics pose medium to high biological risks to marine organisms in the region.
Microplastics and associated organic pollutants in beach sediments from the Gulf of Guinea (SE Atlantic) coastal ecosystems
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination and associated organic pollutants in beach sediments from marine and estuarine lagoon ecosystems in the Gulf of Guinea. The study analyzed over 3,600 microplastic particles for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other organic contaminants. The findings indicate that microplastics in coastal sediments can carry significant concentrations of sorbed pollutants, with differences between marine and estuarine environments.
Macrodebris and Microplastics Pollution in Nigeria: First Report on Abundance, Distribution and Composition
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Researchers conducted the first comprehensive survey of macroplastic and microplastic pollution across multiple sites in Nigeria, documenting abundant plastic debris — including fragments, films, and pellets — in coastal and freshwater environments. The study establishes baseline contamination data for an understudied region of West Africa.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.