Assessment of Microplastics Physical and Chemical Property Concentration in Surface Stream Water of Uyo Metropolis

Abstract:

Assessment of microplastics physical and chemical properties in surface stream water of Uyo metropolis was carried out at different stream locations within Uyo metropolis where waste plastics and microplastics are generated and disposed through runoff. Three stream water samples were used. GPS coordinates were taken, samples were taken accurately using volume bulk collection method into glass bottles and analyzed in the laboratory. A comparison approach was adopted with a control site to assess the level and concentration of microplastics physical and chemical properties present in the water surface. Water samples were collected, sieve to get the microplastic particles present and analyzed using standard procedures by Associations of Official Analytical Chemist and American Public Health Association. Data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and Duncan multiple range tests for mean separation. Correlation analysis was done to check the differences in parameter’s relationship. The mean value of the microplastic physical and chemical properties (proximate and ultimate analysis) ranges as follow Dominic Utuk and Uyo village road stream had %Carbon (12.67%-8.78%), Oxygen (83.89-21.67 %), Nitrogen (0.38-0.15%), Hydrogen (7.86-5.18 %), Sulfur (0.16-0.77 %) respectively. These were higher than the control site (3.22, 12.05, 0.05, 2.45, 0.03%). Ultimate assay for Dominic Utuk and Uyo village road stream recorded %Fixed carbon (19.85, 15.77), %ash (1.03, 2.09), %volatile matter (79.12, 82.14%), and %residual content (0.89, 0.71) higher than the control (4.23, 0.12, 17.15, 0.29%) respectively. Heavy metals and anions assessed showed that Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Chromium, Arsenic and Chlorine and Bromine were higher in the two stream microplastic than that of the control site and WHO permissible limit for water. Correlation analysis shows a strong, positive and perfect relationship between some parameters measured. Contamination factor and pollution index also reveal possible contamination and pollution load these elements have which can affect negatively the water quality and marine organisms in it. The study therefore concludes that there is a huge negative impact of microplastics particles in the stream water of Uyo metropolis and therefore recommends a proper recycling, reuse and disposal method for plastic materials and microplastic substances in the environment.