IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (IJGEM )

E-ISSN 2504-8821
P-ISSN 2695-1878
VOL. 11 NO. 3 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijgem.vol.11.no3.2025.pg171.180

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Evaluating Ecosystem Pollution Indices of Heavy Metals in Microplastics in Surface Water, South-South, Nigeria

Isaac U Isaac, Babatunde T Ogunyemi

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Abstract

This study evaluates the ecosystem pollution indices of heavy metals in microplastics in surface water (MCPW) from the brackish water estuaries of Woji, Elelenwo, and Okujagu Creeks in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The analysis, conducted in 2021, focuses on assessing the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Cr, Fe, Hg) in MCPW during dry and wet seasons, alongside the determinations of pollution indices: Pollution Load Index (PLI), Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and Contamination Factor (CF). Results revealed significant seasonal variations, with higher heavy metal concentrations during the dry season, attributed to reduced dilution and increased runoff in the wet season. Copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) exhibited moderate contamination, especially in the dry season, while other metals like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) were either below detection limits or showed low contamination levels. The PLI and PERI values indicated minimal anthropogenic pollution, with low ecological risk, which was reinforced by the Geoaccumulation and Contamination Factor indices. The seasonal variations in heavy metal concentrations underscore the influence of hydrological dynamics on pollutant dispersion. Despite relatively low contamination, localized enrichment of Cu and Ni highlights the need for continued monitoring, especially considering potential urban runoff and industrial discharge. Overall, the results suggest that MCPW is under low pollution stress, though future land-use changes and human activities may impact the region’s pollution trends.

keywords:

ecosystem, pollution index, Geoaccumulation Index, PERI, anthropogenic pollution

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IIARD International Journal of Geography & Environmental Management
Vol. 11 No. 3 2025 E-ISSN 2504-8821 P-ISSN 2695-1878 www.iiardjournals.org online version
IIARD – International Institute of Academic Research and Development
Page 180
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