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Charting pollution: spatial modeling of microplastics distribution in sediments and surface water from Lake Volta, Ghana, using ArcGIS
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Researchers mapped microplastic pollution across Lake Volta in Ghana, finding an average of nearly 16 particles per liter in surface water and 148 particles per kilogram in sediment, with pollution hotspots identified near multiple lakeside communities. Given the lake's importance for fisheries and local livelihoods, the findings highlight an urgent need for improved plastic waste management and community education.
Microplastic (MP) pollution poses a significant threat to aquatic environments, leading to extensive research into its occurrence, distribution, and ecological effect. This study looked at MP levels, spatial variability, and their composition in surface water and sediment from Lake Volta. It provided information on pollution hotspots and ecological risks. Samples were collected from 16 lakeside communities and processed using a combination of pre-treatment, density separation, oxidation, and identification using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Results revealed an average MP Concentration of 15.88 ± 10.69 MPs/L in surface water and 148.33 ± 119.35 MPs/kg in sediment. Concentrations ranged from 2 to 54 MPs/L and 20 to 460 MPs/kg, respectively. The majority of MPs were fibres and polyethylene, with black particles dominating water samples and blue ones more common in sediment. Size analysis showed most MPs in water were between 1001 and 5000 µm, while sediment MPs predominantly measured 501–1000 µm. A statistically significant difference in MP abundance between water and sediment was observed (χ2 = 20.83889, df = 1, p < 0.0001) and same was confirmed using the Dunn’s Test (mean rank difference = −15.125, z = -4.56, and p < 0.001). Spatial distribution mapping identified hotspots in strata SII (2U), SVI (6D), and SVII (7D). The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) values of 14.76 (water) and 13.02 (sediment) suggest notable polymer contamination. However, the Ecological Risk Index (ERI) values of 30.52 and 27.44 indicate a relatively low ecological risk. Considering Lake Volta’s role in sustaining fisheries and livelihoods, immediate interventions, such as enhanced plastic waste management, community education, and adoption of nature-based solutions, are critical to mitigating the growing threat of MP pollution.
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