Distribution of Microplastics in Sediments from River Benue (jalingo), Nigeria.  

Microplastics as plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter, have emerged as persistent pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, raising global environmental and health concerns. This study evaluated the distribution and concentration of microplastics in sediment samples from the River Benue at (Jalingo) Nigeria. Sediment samples were collected from five distinct sampling sites and analyzed using standard procedures including density separation, chemical digestion, Nile red staining, and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (Water HPLC 616/626). Results revealed significant spatial variability in microplastic contamination, with sample BE recording the highest total microplastic concentration (4087.7 ± 381.3 µg/kg) and sample BB the lowest (985.7 ± 359.7 µg/kg). The dominant microplastic polymers identified included polypropylene, acrylic acid, polyester, and polyamide commonly associated with single-use packaging, textiles, and industrial activities. The findings suggested that anthropogenic activities, including poor waste management and urban runoff, are major contributors to microplastic pollution in the study area. The presence of these pollutants in sediments underscores the potential risks to benthic organisms and the broader aquatic food web through bioaccumulation and trophic transfer. This study highlighted the urgent need for effective environmental policies, community awareness, and sustainable waste management practices to mitigate microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems.