Baseline Investigation of Microplastic Levels in the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758) from River Okhuo, Benin City, Nigeria

Oiseoje Michael WANGBOJE; Kelvin Ajokpaogene ADEGHOR

Oiseoje Michael WANGBOJE
Kelvin Ajokpaogene ADEGHOR

Keywords: Oreochromis niloticus, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Microplastics

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) contamination of natural aquatic media has been recognized as a serious ecological problem globally. The paucity of scientific data on MP in Oreochronmis niloticus (mean total length, 22.52 ± 0.93 cm, mean weight 591.67 ± 1.18 g) from River Okhuo in Benin City, Nigeria, warranted this research which was done using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The mean values of MPs in fish ranged from 0.67 in July at station 2 to 2.50 in June at station 1 with no observed significant difference (p>0.05) in the mean levels of MPs between months at each station. The plastic load ranged from 0.06 to 2.21 in July at stations 3 and 1 respectively with an observed significant difference (p<0.05) in the plastic load between months at station 1. The frequency of occurrence (FO) of MPs ranged from 1.35 in July at station 2 to 2.45 in June at station 3 with an observed significant difference (p<0.05) in the FO between months at station 2. The physical classification of MPs revealed that fragments were found at all stations while the FTIR absorbance wave numbers identified the presence of polyethylene. The estimated daily intake (No./person/day) for MPs ranged from 0.0005 at station 2 to 0.001 at station 1 while the percent (%) quota of occurrence of microplastic particles ranged from 3.70% for fibres to 48.15% for fragments. In order to stem the tide of plastic pollution, it was recommened that a continuous monitoring programme be put in place along with effective public enlightenment that would ensure that the River Okhuo and its resources are protected from the negative impacts of MPs.

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