Research
Seasonal variation of microplastics in surface water of the Ogun River, Nigeria
Abstract
Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental concern, posing substantial risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. The high population density in riverine areas underscores the importance of assessing microplastic pollution in rivers, which affects not only aquatic life and human health but also livelihoods. This study investigates the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in the Ogun River surface water during dry and wet seasons. Grab water samples were collected from six strategic locations and analyzed for microplastics using a combination of extraction, digestion, and filtration methods. Samples were digested for microplastics extraction using the Wet Peroxide Oxidation (WPO) method, vacuum filtered through a 0.45µm membrane filter (47 mm diameter) and categorized according to their shapes and colors. The results reveal widespread microplastic contamination, with abundance ranging from 6.4 to 11.6 particles/litre during the dry season and 0.4 to 4.8 particles/litre during the wet season. Fibers (93.50% dry, 90.63% wet) and white microplastics (71.54% dry, 43.75% wet) were identified as the predominant shape and color. These findings highlight the need to mitigate microplastic pollution in Ogun River. A multi-faceted approach, encompassing plastic waste reduction, improved wastewater treatment, and sustainable practices, is essential for protecting the river's ecosystem and ensuring human well-being.
Keywords
- microplastics
- fibers
- seasonal variation
- aquatic contamination
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