We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Abundance and Distribution of Microplastics as Emerging Contaminants in Public Water Supply Dams of Jos-Bukuru Metropolis, Plateau State
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in raw water from public water supply dams in the Jos-Bukuru metropolitan area of Nigeria using oil extraction methods. Microplastics were detected across all sampled facilities, with concentrations varying alongside physicochemical water parameters, pointing to infrastructure and catchment management as key risk factors.
The distribution of microplastic across water treatment infrastructure in Jos and its environs was determined using oil extraction methods. Raw water from the water storage facilities was analysed for microplastics and physico-chemical properties. The physico-chemical properties of the water showed pH range of 7.16 - 7.44, electrical conductivity of 15.67 - 73.2 µS/cm, Total Dissolved Solids 34.3 - 95 mg/L and Total Suspended particles ranging between 33.3 - 48.9 mg/L. The results indicated the presence of microplastics in all the storage facilities ranging from 3,368 to 4,353 particles/L, and the mean levels of 4,353 particles/L, 4,230 particles/L, 3,746 particles/L and 3,368 particles/L, for Lamingo Dam, Liberty Dam, Yakubu Gowon Dam and Yelwa Pond respectively. The distribution of microplastic particles in Lamingo Dam showed a higher variability suggesting the influence of point-source pollution or localized anthropogenic activity. Liberty Dam in contrast, showed relatively uniform distribution pointing to more homogeneous contamination inputs. The microplastic abundance levels across the studied water facilities were relatively high with tyre debris being dominant. This suggests the particles to be of vehicular origin due to tyre wear. The presence of microplastics in the municipal water sources may pose health threat to the municipality and aquatic lives.
More Papers Like This
Assessment of microplastic pollution in selected freshwater reservoirs of Kano State, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested water from four reservoirs in Kano State, Nigeria, finding microplastics in all of them, with higher amounts during the rainy season. Lead and cadmium levels exceeded WHO safety limits, though no clear statistical link was found between microplastics and heavy metals or water conditions.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Borehole Drinking Water and Sediments in Lagos, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected microplastics in borehole drinking water and sediments in Lagos, Nigeria, finding fibres and fragments in the majority of samples, indicating that groundwater sources used for drinking are contaminated with plastic particles and posing potential health risks to communities relying on borehole water.
From source to distribution channel: A baseline study of microplastic occurrence in drinking water in Ogun State, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastics in the drinking water system of Ogun State, Nigeria, from raw water through treatment to tap water, finding 10-16 particles per liter at every stage. Treatment plants removed about 40% of microplastics, but levels actually increased again in tap water, likely from contamination in the distribution pipes. Children were estimated to consume more microplastics per body weight than adults, highlighting the need for better water treatment in developing countries.
Abundance, characterization, and health risk evaluation of microplastics in borehole water in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed borehole water samples from multiple locations in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, and found microplastics present in all samples tested. The contamination included fibers and fragments of various polymer types, with concentrations varying by sampling location. The findings raise health concerns about groundwater quality in the region and suggest that microplastic contamination of drinking water sources may be more widespread than currently recognized in West Africa.
Micro- and Nanoplastic Contamination in Surface and Groundwater Sources of Aifam Owukpa, Ogbadibo Lga, Benue State, Nigeria: A First Exploratory Scan
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists testing streams, springs, and wells in a rural Nigerian community found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in nearly all of their water samples—including drinking water sources many families rely on daily. The plastics likely come from broken-down waste like bottles and packaging, and murkier water tended to have more contamination, suggesting a link between visible water quality and hidden plastic pollution. While this study didn't test health effects directly, it highlights a largely overlooked risk in rural water supplies worldwide and points to the need for better plastic waste management and water monitoring.
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.