Microplastics in Well Water in Birnin Kebbi, North Western Nigeria, Pose Health Risks to Consumers

Abstract

Microplastic pollution is a global concern due to its widespread dissemination and potential toxicity. Many water bodies worldwide have been evaluated for microplastic pollution to enable effective remediation and management. However, documented information on the microplastic pollution of drinking water in Nigeria is scanty. This study aimed to determine the abundance and associated risks of microplastics in well water in Kalgo, Rafin-Atiku, Gwadan-Gwaji, Unguwan-Jeji, Aliero-Quarters, and Tarasa areas in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria. Microplastics were extracted from the water and then analyzed using spectroscopy and microscopy. The results showed significant difference (p<0.05) in microplastic concentration between the sampling locations. It indicated that Kalgo samples had the highest concentrations of microplastics (92.63MPs/L), followed by Rafin-Atiku (91.23MPs/L), Gwadan-Gwaji (89.77MPs/L), Unguwan-Jeji (85.60MPs/L), Aliero-Quarters (85.27MPs/L), and Tarasa (80.5MPs/L). With 58%, fiber was the predominant microplastic shape, followed by fragments (22%), foams (12%), and pellets (8%). Nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the dominant polymers in the water. The dominant risk grade among the polymers was II (low risk) or III (moderate risk). Meanwhile, nylon posed a grade IV risk (high risk), indicating that the polymer poses the greatest risk. Gwadan-Gaji samples had the highest contamination factor (5.10), followed by Rafin-Atiku (4.50), Aliero-Quarters (4.10), Unguwan-Jeji (3.20), Kalgo (2.00), and Tarasa (1.80). Oral daily intake of microplastics exceeded the threshold of 1. It can be concluded that microplastics in well water pose health hazards to consumers in the area. Consequently, well water in these areas requires microplastic remediation and control.

Keywords: Fibers, Microplastics, Polymers, Polypropylene, Well water,