International Journal of Environmental and Ecology Research

authors
Okwesili Lotanna Chidera, Nsude Okechukwu Paul, Onyishi Chukwuebuka Kenechukwu

abstract
This study evaluated the types and distribution of microplastics found in fish samples taken from the River Niger in Onitsha. Fish samples were collected from the [001], [002], [003], [004], and [005] sample sites and examined using FTIR and GC-FID techniques. The concentration (particles L-1) of polystyrene (<100 um), polyester (<100 um), polypropylene (<100 um), styrene ethylene butylenes (<100 um), polyethylene (<100 um) ranged from 0.00 – 2.67 particles L-1, 0.33 – 1.33 particles L-1, 0.67 – 2.33 particles L-1, 1.00 – 2.33 particles L-1, and 0 – 1.66 particles L-1, respectively. According to the distribution of plastic types, polystyrene and polyethylene concentrations were found to be highest and lowest, respectively, in all the fish samples from the different sampling locations. The high level of polystyrene found in the fish was attributed to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and marine debris in the river water.