Quantification and characterization of microplastics ingested by mangrove oysters across West Africa

• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34470-9
• Publication Date: 2024-08-01T15:02:38Z
• Authors: Edem Mahu; Tyronne Jude Vand...; Charles Mario Boa...; Maurice Oti Edusei; Gabriella Akpah Y...; Ernest Obeng Chuku; Paulina Okpei; Isaac Okyere; David Dodoo-Arhin; Edward Akinnigbag...
• Keywords: Ostreidae

Abstract Microplastic ingestion by marine organisms presents a challenge to both ecosystem functioning and human health. We characterized microplastic abundance, shape, size, polymer types ingested the West African mangrove oyster, Crassostrea tulipa (Lamarck, 1819) sampled from estuaries lagoons Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria using optical microscopy Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. A total of 780 microplastics were isolated in whole tissues 250 oysters ( n = 50 per country). The abundance distribution followed pattern: Gambia > Ghana Leone Benin. Tanbi wetlands recorded highest average 10.50 ± 6.69 oyster while Ouidah lagoon Benin lowest 1.80 1.90 oyster. Overall, numbers varied significantly p < 0.05) among five countries. Microfibers, particularly those within 1001–5000 μm dominated count with few fragments films. No spherical oysters. In oysters, films absent samples. between 1001 5000 size class counts, 501–1000 μm, 101–500 51–100 μm. Five groups namely polyethylene, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, polyamide identified across countries, polyethylene occurring all countries polyester but Nigeria. This diversity polymers suggests sources studied absence microspheres supports findings other studies that they are least highly egested Graphical