Assessment of the incidence of microplastics at Ndibe, Cross River, Nigeria

The menace of microplastics in the aquatic ecosystems is of increasing concern worldwide mainly due to their impact on the entire ecosystem and human health. In order to contribute to knowledge, the incidence of microplastics in water and fish samples from Ndibe beach area of Cross River, Nigeria was studied. Ndibe beach is a recreational beach that hosts thousands of tourists and commuters annually. Recently, several residential and commercial areas have developed around the beach with attendant increase in the amount of plastics and other types of wastes deposited in and around the beach. Water samples collected from ten locations within the beach and fish samples (50 Chrysichthys sp. and 30 Clarias sp.) were analysed for microplastics using standard methods. The results showed that the water and fish samples contained microplastics of various sizes. The microplastics level was higher in water samples (68%) compared to the fish samples (32%). This calls for proper sensitization of residents and tourists around the area on the dangers associated with microplastics in aquatic ecosystem in order to regulate its discharge into and around the Cross River. This will help to mitigate the negative consequences of microplastics on the ecosystem integrity of the river and human health.