Macroplastics (>5 mm) and microplastics (<5 mm) have emerged as pervasive and detrimental pollutants in marine environments, posing significant threats to the blue economy, human health, and marine ecosystems. Macroplastics generally enter the environment through marine litter, inadequate waste management, and discarded fishing gear .
In contrast, microplastics primarily arise from the breakdown of larger plastic items, microbeads, and microfibers shed from textiles. The coastal waters of Lagos, known for their high population density, are severely impacted by pollution and serve as hotspots for plastic waste. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the types, sizes, and quantities of polymers present along the Lagos coast. To address this gap, sediment samples were collected using a Van-veen grab sampler from three locations: Liverpool (LVP), Five Cowrie Creeks (FCC), and Makoko (MKK). Microplastics were isolated from the sediment through wet-sieving and density separation, followed by optical identification using a stereomicroscope.
The distributions of the microplastics were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The findings revealed total microplastic concentrations of up to 37 particles/kg dry weight (dw ) at FCC, 65 particles/kg dw at MKK, and 110 particles/kg dw at LVP, with fragmentation of beads identified as the primary source of microplastics at all three locations. The dominant polymer types found in the study area were polyvinyl alcohol and polyamide.
Keywords: Macro and microplastics;
; Lagos coasts; marine ecosystems and food chain recycling; and remediation procedures
The significant levels of microplastic contamination, particularly at the LVP, raise serious concerns. These pollutants pose risks through seafood consumption, leading to the
ingestion of toxins and contaminants in the food chain. Further research is necessary to explore effective methods for these plastics and to develop appropriate remediation strategies for the Lagos coastline.