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Boateng CM, Addo S, Duodu CP, Danso-Abbeam H, Agyeman PC, Anyan KF, Asamoah EK, Blankson ER, Nyarko E, Matsuoka A. Microplastics in the Volta Lake: Occurrence, distribution, and human health implications. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29041. [PMID: 38596133 PMCID: PMC11002670 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Pollution of plastic waste in aquatic ecosystems in Ghana is of significant concern with potential adverse effects on food safety and ecosystem function. This study examined the abundance and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater biota samples namely: the African river prawn (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii), the Volta clam (Galatea paradoxa), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and sediment from the Volta Lake. Both biota and sediment samples were subjected to microscopic identification and FTIR analysis. In biota samples, the highest mean microplastic abundance of 4.7 ± 2.1 items per individual was found in the prawn, while the Nile tilapia recorded the least (2.8 ± 0.6 items per individual). A total of 398 microplastic particles were observed in sediment samples from the Volta Lake. Microfibers were the major plastic shapes identified in biota and sediment samples. We examined the relationship between microplastic abundance, biota size, and sediment properties. Despite the lack of statistical significance, microplastic shape, size, and polymer composition in assessed organisms mirrored those in the benthic sediment. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and polystyrene were the four dominant polymer types identified in the organisms and sediments. Although the estimated human exposure was relatively low compared with studies from other regions of the world, the presence of microplastics raises concern for the safety of fisheries products consumed by the general populace in the country. This research is essential for developing effective mitigation measures and tackling the wider effects of microplastic contamination on Ghana's freshwater ecosystems, particularly the Volta Lake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Mario Boateng
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, University of New Hampshire, USA
| | - Samuel Addo
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Collins Prah Duodu
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Harriet Danso-Abbeam
- Environmental Research Resource Centre, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P.O Box LG 80, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Kofi Ferni Anyan
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Elvis Nyarko
- Regional Maritime University, Post Office Box GP 1115, Accra, Ghana
| | - Atsushi Matsuoka
- Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
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Ruangpanupan N, Ussawarujikulchai A, Prapagdee B, Chavanich S. Seasonal variation in the abundance of microplastics in three commercial bivalves from Bandon Bay, Gulf of Thailand. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 197:115600. [PMID: 37890319 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the abundance of microplastics in three commercial bivalves found at Bandon Bay. Spatial-temporal differences in the concentration of microplastics were evaluated during the dry and wet seasons. The results showed that the highest abundance of microplastics in oysters, blood cockles, and green mussels was observed in fishery and aquaculture areas during the dry season, with 1.42 particles/g (w/w), 1.01 particles/g (w/w) and 0.87 particles/g (w/w), respectively. Microplastics were more abundant during the dry season compared to the wet season (p < 0.05), with fibre being the predominant shape and black being the major colour of particles. Cellophane was the most common type of polymer in all bivalves. This result is an important reference for understanding the status of microplastics in three commercial bivalves during different seasons and in different human activities, which should aid in understanding the sources of microplastics in Bandon Bay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natenapa Ruangpanupan
- Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Achara Ussawarujikulchai
- Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand.
| | - Benjaphorn Prapagdee
- Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Suchana Chavanich
- Reef Biology Research Group, Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Albani G, Asiedu D, Abrokwah S, Jónasdóttir SH, Nielsen TG, Acheampong E, Ruiz LH, Ekumah B, Koski M. Synergistic and additive effects of microplastic, nickel and pyrene on survival, reproduction, and egestion of a tropical copepod. Aquat Toxicol 2023; 265:106737. [PMID: 37939499 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Coastal tropical ecosystems provide livelihood for millions of people but are at the same time exposed to an increasing intensity of diverse anthropogenic stressors, including pollution. Nevertheless, the combined effects of pollutants on marine ecosystems are poorly understood, particularly regarding lower trophic levels (plankton) and tropical ocean. We exposed the tropical copepod Centropages velificatus to 4-5 concentrations of a heavy metal (nickel), an oil compound (pyrene) and microplastic (PET), either alone or in combination, and measured their egestion, reproduction, and mortality rates. Microplastic alone did not have any effect on pellet or egg production of copepods, whereas nickel reduced egg production rate at concentrations ≥1 µg L-1 and pyrene reduced both egg and pellet production rates at concentrations ≥1 nM. The addition of nickel and pyrene to PET - microplastic resulted in a reduction similar to one caused by nickel or pyrene alone, suggesting an additive effect. In contrast, a combination of nickel and pyrene had a synergistic effect, with a strong reduction in survival, egg and pellet production. Our results suggest that combinations of contaminants that are commonly found in tropical coastal waters have detrimental effects on copepods-the crucial link in the pelagic food web-at lower concentrations than suggested by single stressor studies. This can have an influence on the food web productivity - the basis of fisheries that local communities rely on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Albani
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Delove Asiedu
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sika Abrokwah
- Centre for Coastal Management (CCM), School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Sigrún H Jónasdóttir
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Torkel G Nielsen
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Emmanuel Acheampong
- Centre for Coastal Management (CCM), School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana; Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Laura Hernández Ruiz
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bernard Ekumah
- Centre for Coastal Management (CCM), School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Marja Koski
- Technical University of Denmark, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Kemitorvet, Building 202, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Doan TO, Duong TT, Pham LA, Nguyen TM, Pham PT, Hoang TQ, Phuong NN, Nguyen TL, Pham TTH, Ngo TDM, Le NA, Vo VC, Do VM, Le TPQ. Microplastic accumulation in bivalves collected from different coastal areas of Vietnam and an assessment of potential risks. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 195:1511. [PMID: 37989961 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12087-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging problem in many areas around the world and in coastal areas of Vietnam, requiring more studies dedicated to the accumulation of this pollutant in the food chain as well as its potential risk to human health. This study investigated MP levels in tissues of five common bivalve species collected from aquaculture areas along the coast of Vietnam. MPs were found in all bivalve samples, with average values of 10.84 ± 2.61 items/individual or 2.40 ± 1.34 items/g wet weight. Impacts of feeding habits of bivalves showed influences on MP abundance in the samples. Fibers were the dominant shape of MPs recorded, most of which accumulated in the gills and digestive glands of all bivalve samples, with the majority falling within the size range of 300-2000 µm. MPs found in all studied species had relatively similar chemical compositions, mainly composed of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). In this study, a diverse diet consisting of different bivalve species and detailed data on the consumption rate of these species were used to assess the human health risk of MPs dedicated to the coastal communities of Vietnam. The results suggested a significant part of MP uptake by human could be via bivalve consumption, in which removing viscera and proper depuration should be applied prior to eating, thereby reducing the risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Oanh Doan
- Faculty of Environment, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, No 41A, Phu Dien Street, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thuy Duong
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Le Anh Pham
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Thi My Nguyen
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Phuong Thao Pham
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Quynh Hoang
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc Nam Phuong
- GERS-LEE Université Gustave Eiffel, IFSTTAR, 44344, Bouguenais, France
| | - Thuy Lien Nguyen
- University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai Road, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thu Ha Pham
- University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 334 Nguyen Trai Road, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Diem My Ngo
- Dak Lak Pedagogy College, 349 Le Duan Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak, Vietnam
| | - Nam Anh Le
- Faculty of Environment, Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, No 41A, Phu Dien Street, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Van Chi Vo
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Quy Nhon University, 170 An Duong Vuong Street, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh, Vietnam
| | - Van Manh Do
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Phuong Quynh Le
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Nuamah F, Tulashie SK, Debrah JS, Pèlèbè ROE. Microplastics in the Gulf of Guinea: An analysis of concentrations and distribution in sediments, gills, and guts of fish collected off the coast of Ghana. Environ Res 2023; 234:116567. [PMID: 37422113 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) accumulate in marine environments, impacting marine organism health. This study examined MPs in sediment and two pelagic fish species (S. maderensis and I. africana) in Ghana's Gulf of Guinea. The study found an average concentration of 0.144 ± 0.061 items/g (dry weight) in the sediment, with pellets and transparent particles being the most common types. The concentration of MPs in contaminated fish ranged from 8.35 to 20.95, with fibers and pellets being the most abundant plastic-type in fish. Individual organ concentrations of MPs varied. In fish gills, concentrations ranged from 1 to 26 MPs/individual for I. africana and 1-22 MPs/individual for S. maderensis. Concentrations in the fish guts ranged from 1 to 29 MPs/individual for I. africana and 2-24 MPs/individual for S. maderensis. Results from the study highlight the importance of both gills and guts as important organs in terms of microplastic contamination and emphasize the significance of monitoring microplastic contamination in fish gills and guts. This offers valuable insight into the impact of MPs on the marine environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Nuamah
- Centre for Coastal Management (Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, ACECoR), University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; University of Cape Coast, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Physical Sciences, Chemistry Department, Industrial Chemistry Unit, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Kofi Tulashie
- Centre for Coastal Management (Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, ACECoR), University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; University of Cape Coast, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Physical Sciences, Chemistry Department, Industrial Chemistry Unit, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Joseph Sefah Debrah
- University of Cape Coast, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Ghana
| | - Rodrigue Orobiyi Edéya Pèlèbè
- Centre for Coastal Management (Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, ACECoR), University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; Research Laboratory in Aquaculture and Aquatic Ecotoxicology (LaRAEAq), Faculty of Agronomy, University of Parakou, Parakou, Benin
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Aminah IS, Ikejima K. Potential sources of microplastic contamination in laboratory analysis and a protocol for minimising contamination. Environ Monit Assess 2023; 195:808. [PMID: 37280402 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11410-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of microplastics in environmental and biological samples can be overestimated because of contaminants introduced during the analytical process. Knowledge of the potential sources and frequency of contamination during analysis is required to develop a protocol to prevent analytical errors. In this study, potential sources of contamination in the laboratory analysis of biological samples were evaluated, and reliable, inexpensive measures to prevent contamination were tested. Glass fibre filters, water samples, air samples, and chemicals [Fenton's reagent (H2O2 and FeSO4), and ZnCl2] were tested for the presence of contaminants. Particulate contamination, including microplastics, was found in all samples when tested before application of any preventative measures. The following measures were evaluated for preventing contamination: (1) filtration of the water and chemical solutions using a glass fibre filter, (2) pre-combustion of the glass fibre filters, and (3) use of a clean booth for experimental work. The preventative measures reduced the levels of microplastics in all samples by 70-100%. The dominant polymers identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were polyethylene terephthalate, cellulose fibre (rayon), polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile, and polyethylene. With the preventative measures, the number of microplastics in the laboratory blanks was low enough to set the limit of detection to < 1. This limit of detection would be suitable for examination of microplastics contamination at the individual organism level, even at trace levels. Preventative countermeasures are essential to reduce overestimation of microplastics in biological samples and can be implemented at low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Siti Aminah
- Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, 200 Monobe-Otsu, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8502, Japan
- United Graduate School of Agriculture Sciences, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Kou Ikejima
- Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Agriculture and Marine Science, Kochi University, 200 Monobe-Otsu, Nankoku, Kochi, 783-8502, Japan.
- United Graduate School of Agriculture Sciences, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan.
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Yang Y, Li R, Liu A, Xu J, Li L, Zhao R, Qu M, Di Y. How does the internal distribution of microplastics in Scylla serrata link with the antioxidant response in functional tissues? Environ Pollut 2023; 324:121423. [PMID: 36906053 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Crabs can live in diverse lifestyles in both water and benthic environments, which are the basin of microplastics (MPs) inputs. Edible crabs with large consuming quantity, e.g., Scylla serrata were subjected to accumulate MPs in their tissues from surrounding environments and generate biological damages. However, no related research has been conducted. In order to accurately assess the potential risks to both crabs and humans consuming MPs contaminated crabs, S. serrata were exposed to different concentrations (2, 200 and 20,000 μg/L) of polyethylene (PE) microbeads (10-45 μm) for 3 days. The physiological conditions of crabs and a series of biological responses, including DNA damage, antioxidant enzymes activities and their corresponding gene expressions in functional tissues (gills and hepatopancreas) were investigated. PE-MPs accumulated in all tissues of crabs with concentration- and tissue-dependent manner, which was assumed to be via the internal distribution initialized by gills' respiration, filtration and transportation. Significantly increased DNA damages were observed in both gills and hepatopancreas under exposures, however, the physiological conditions of crabs showed no dramatic alterations. Under low and middle concentration exposures, gills energetically activated the first line of antioxidant defense to against oxidative stress, e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), but lipid peroxidation damage still occurred under high concentration exposure. In comparison, SOD and CAT composed antioxidant defense in hepatopancreas tended to collapse under severe MPs exposure and the defense mechanism attempted to switch to the secondary antioxidant response by compensatively stimulating the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the content of glutathione (GSH). The diverse antioxidant strategies in gills and hepatopancreas were proposed to be closely related to the accumulation capacity of tissues. The results confirmed the relation between PE-MPs exposure and antioxidant defense in S. serrata, and will help to clarify the biological toxicity and corresponding ecological risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingli Yang
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316000, China
| | - Ruofan Li
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316000, China; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Ao Liu
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316000, China
| | - Jianzhou Xu
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316000, China; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Liya Li
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316000, China; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Ruoxuan Zhao
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316000, China
| | - Mengjie Qu
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316000, China; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572024, China
| | - Yanan Di
- Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan, 316000, China; Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, 572024, China.
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Dada OA, Bello JO. Microplastics in carnivorous fish species, water and sediments of a coastal urban lagoon in Nigeria. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:55948-55957. [PMID: 36914928 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26410-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Plastic marine debris is a common source of pollution. Recent research has shown that plastic debris has a negative impact on marine organisms and the environment. For the first time, we investigated the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon ecosystem water, sediment, and the most important fish species (Hepsetus odoe, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Oreochromis niloticus, and Lachnolaimus maximus). MPs were found in water, sediment, and three carnivorous fish species (H. odoe, C. nigrodigitatus, and L. maximus), except for herbivorous O. niloticus, raising concerns about the health of the Nigerian Lagos Lagoon ecosystem and the human food chain. Across the lagoon, fibres were more concentrated in the water, while fragments predominated in the sediment. Plastic debris from recreational, industrial, and domestic wastes contributed significantly to this contamination. Given the potential dangers of MPs to human health, it is critical to protect the ecosystem and its inhabitants in the Lagoon from plastic pollution. Our findings highlight the need for urgent measures to protect Nigeria's fragile coastal and marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusegun A Dada
- Coastal and Marine Environment Research Group, Department of Marine Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, 340252, Nigeria.
| | - Jummai O Bello
- Coastal and Marine Environment Research Group, Department of Marine Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, 340252, Nigeria
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Addo S, Boateng CM, Diyie RL, Duodu CP, Ferni AK, Williams EA, Amakye AO, Asamoah O, Danso -Abbeam H, Nyarko E. Occurrence of microplastics in wild oysters ( Crassostrea tulipa) from the Gulf of Guinea and their potential human exposure. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12255. [PMID: 36568671 PMCID: PMC9768316 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The high dependence on plastics in Ghana has resulted in the generation of large quantities of plastic waste which are poorly managed and improperly disposed into the aquatic environments. This study assessed the spatial distribution and abundance of microplastics in mangrove oysters (Crassostrea tulipa): a major fishery resource of commercial importance in Ghana. The results showed that 84.0% of all individuals examined had ingested microplastics. A total of 276 microplastic items were recovered from the 120 individual oysters. Densu (100%) and Volta (93%), two estuaries situated in urban areas, had a greater incidence of microplastics than Whin (77%) and Nakwa (66%), estuaries situated in peri-urban and rural settlements, respectively. The mean microplastic abundance ranged from 1.4 to 3.4 items/individual and 0.34 to 1.7 items/g tissue wet weight. Fiber accounted for 69% of microplastic shapes, followed by fragments (27%) and films (4%). Polymer analysis showed polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) as the most common types in oysters. The estimated microplastic intake per capita per year was one magnitude higher than the mean for other countries. This high rate of human exposure to microplastics requires an eminent policy formulation to guide the use, management and disposal of plastic waste in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Addo
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
| | - Charles Mario Boateng
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
- Corresponding author.
| | - Rhoda Lims Diyie
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Water Research Institute (CSIR-WRI), P. O. Box AH 38, Accra, Ghana
| | - Collins Prah Duodu
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
| | - Anyan Kofi Ferni
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernestina Abbew Williams
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
| | - Akosua Ohemaa Amakye
- Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 99. Accra, Ghana
| | - Obed Asamoah
- University of Development Studies, P. O. Box TL 1350, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Harriet Danso -Abbeam
- Environmental Resources Research Centre, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Post Office Box LG 80, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Elvis Nyarko
- Regional Maritime University, Post Office Box GP 1115, Accra, Ghana
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Jonathan A, Opoku F, Akoto O. Health Risk Assessment, Bioaccumulation Factors and Ecological Indices of Heavy Metals in Sediment, Fish and Water Along Asuoyeboah River, Kumasi: A Case Study. Chemistry Africa 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42250-022-00524-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Nuamah F, Tulashie SK, Debrah JS. Assessing contamination of microplastics in the Ghanaian coastal sea using a self-constructed LADI trawl. Mar Pollut Bull 2022; 182:114006. [PMID: 35939935 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Almost everywhere in the marine ecosystem contains microplastics. Although their environmental contamination is a global problem, relatively little is known about their distribution and abundance in the Gulf of Guinea. This study looked at the spatial dynamics of microplastics in the sea surface water off the coast of Ghana. Four chosen areas were found to have non-variable concentrations ranging from 1.14 to 2.79 particles m-3 using a self-constructed Low-Tech Aquatic Debris Instrument (LADI) trawl (333 μm mesh). The most abundant shapes were fragments and pellets, while the most common colors were colored and transparent particles. The polymer types found in the microplastics selected for investigation using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance mode (ATR-FT-IR) were Polypropylene, Polyethylene, and Polystyrene. These results provide an important baseline on microplastic pollution along the Ghanaian coast suggesting the LADI trawl as an accurate quantitative sampling tool for microplastics from sea surface water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Nuamah
- Centre for Coastal Management-Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Kofi Tulashie
- Centre for Coastal Management-Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; University of Cape Coast, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Physical Sciences, Chemistry Department, Industrial Chemistry Unit, Cape Coast, Ghana.
| | - Joseph Sefah Debrah
- University of Cape Coast, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Cape Coast, Ghana
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