Spatial distribution of microplastic contamination in Sunyani municipal Rivers, Ghana: Insights into environmental persistence and ecological impact

Selina Ama Saah, Patrick Opare Sakyi, David Adu-Poku, Devine N. O. Abam and Mary Antwi

Abstract

Microplastics are gradually becoming emerging contaminants worldwide. This is mostly due to the improper disposal of plastic waste. However, comparative data on microplastic levels in freshwater systems is still scarce for most developing countries. Therefore, this study aims to determine the presence of microplastics in selected rivers in Sunyani, Ghana. Also, forty questionnaires were administered to residents around the river banks to ascertain their knowledge of microplastics. The responses revealed that the residents had limited knowledge about the pollution of the rivers with microplastics. The study further investigated the abundance of microplastics in the water. The number of particles was estimated to be 220, 215, 280 and 120 per mL of the water sample.