Presence and Abundance of Microplastics in Benthic Organisms from Some Niger Delta, Nigeria Coastal Rivers

Abstract

Presence and abundance of microplastics in benthic organisms from some Niger Delta, Nigeria Coastal Rivers were investigated. This study was carried out using 120 samples each of Crabs, Periwingles, Oysters, Sea Stars, Shrimps, Lobsters, Crayfish Samples, all from Bonny, Qua Iboe, Forcados, Oluwa, Imo, Benin and Benue (control) Rivers respectively, and divided into seven groups. Triplicate samples of each benthic organisms were individually crushed with the aid of a pestle and mortar, and preserved in 96% ethanol, digested and microplastics presence and abundance examined with the aid of a dissecting microscope, using standard methods. Result showed 100% microplastics presence in all benthic organisms studied, although the abundance varied by organism and sampling location, with an average of 1.68±0.58 Mp particle /organism. The most abundant microplastics observed were pellets (20.19%) and fibres (66.15%). Most of the observed microplastics were black in colour, with sizes smaller or lesser than 2mm. Microscopic analysis reveals polystyrene (PS) (79.72%) and polyethylene (11.23%) as the most dominant type of polymers present in the benthic organisms. The result also reveals Sea Stars, having a microplastic abundance of 6.00±2.65 Mp particle /organism as showing a higher potential for accumulating microplastics than other benthic organisms studied in this research. The human health impacts of the consumption of these benthic organisms polluted by microplastics may have serious consequences. Therefore, urgent steps must be taken to address the alarming spread of Microplastics in the aquatic system; especially in the coastal areas of Niger Delta, Nigeria.