Microplastics Pollution of Water, Sediment, and Selected Fish Species from Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: *Felagha, I., Boco-Joel, A., Okwakpam, F.N., George, M.S. And Afia, I.U.
DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18061119
ABSTRACT
Microplastics are persistent microscopic pollutant particles which are found in many aquatic ecosystems and are harmful to living organisms. The present study investigated microplastics concentration in water, sediment and selected fish species from three communities in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Samples of study were collected following standard procedure while microplastics concentration was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Data generated were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS and values presented as mean and standard deviation (n=3). In all samples analyzed, microplastics included Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP), Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), Polypropylene (PP), Acrylic fiber (AF) and Polystyrene (PS). In the water samples, TBBPA was the most prevalent microplastic while PP was the least; among the sediment samples, PE was the most prevalent while PET was the least prevalent; in the fish species, DOTP was the most prevalent while AF was the least prevalent. The findings of this study indicate the presence of microplastics in the Niger Delta especially in widely consumed fish species in coastal communities. This calls for more action in the fight against plastics pollution of our ecosystems as a way of safeguarding the health of the people.
Affiliations: Department of Chemical Sciences (Biochemistry Unit), Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Keywords: Microplastics, Gas Chromatography, Harmful, Pollutant, Health
Published date: 2025/12/30
