Detection of Microplastic Pollutants and the Wellbeing of Clarias gariepinus (African Catfish) in Jama’are River, Bauchi State, Nigeria

Background and Objective: The contamination of freshwater ecosystems with microplastics is becoming a serious concern for its negative consequences on the ecosystem. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of microplastic pollutants and their potential impact on Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) in Jama’are River, Bauchi State. Materials and Methods: Sampling was conducted fortnightly over 4 months (April to July, 2023) at three stations (A, B and C). Water and fish samples were analyzed for microplastics using light microscopy (stereo microscope Micromed (MC2) with a digital camera and top view 3.7.6273 software) and FTIR. Additionally, physicochemical parameters, histopathological examination of fish tissues and haematological indices of fish blood were assessed. Physicochemical parameters of the water samples were generally within WHO permissible limits. Results: However, turbidity levels exceeded the recommended value of 5 NTU. The mean temperature ranged from (30.23±3.1°C) to (33.15±3.7°C), electric conductivity from (150.85±7.0 μs/cm) to (158.33±6.1 μs/cm), dissolved oxygen concentration from (5.55±0.1 mg/L) to (5.15±0.2 mg/L), pH from (6.23±1.2) to (6.99±1.1), turbidity from (308.23±4.2 NTU) to (314.15±4.2 NTU), total dissolved solids from (322.30±36 mg/L) to (397.15±23 mg/L) and total suspended solids from (244.73±37 mg/L) to (291.45±39 mg/L). Microplastic analysis revealed the presence of various contaminants, including acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamides, poly butylene succinate adipate, poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly carbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyether ether ketone and polyethylene (PE). Conclusion: These findings indicate water contamination, emphasizing the need for effective measures to control microplastic levels in the surface water of the studied area.