Variations of Macroplastics in Water and Sediments at Bundu Waterfront, Upper Bonny Estuary, Rivers State, Nigeria

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 02 | Page : 12 22
By

Esaenwi A.L,

Bubu-Davies O.A,

Ilesanmi A.I,

Ekweozor I.K.E,

Otene B.B,

  1. PhD Research Scholar,, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environment, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
  2. Professor, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environment, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
  3. Lecturer 2, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria
  4. Professor, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
  5. Reader, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Macroplastic pollution has become an increasingly severe environmental challenge, particularly in urban waterfronts where waste management is inadequate. Bundu Waterfront of the Upper Bonny Estuary in Port Harcourt, Rivers State is a sink for macroplatics from careless disposal of solid wastes and inadequate management thus affecting the biological integrity and aquatic life of this estuary. The resultant impact of the macroplastics on abiotic factors through the evaluation of different floating macroplastics in the water and sediments were investigated. The study also determined some physical and chemical parameters for twelve months from Bundu Waterfronts. Samples of macroplastics in water and sediments were collected in accordance with APHA guidelines. The data collected were analyzed statistically. Macroplastics in water and sediment were categorized into thirteen groups which included medicine dispensing products, food wraps, fishing materials, laundry materials, drink wraps, polyvinylchloride items, bags, wears, body care, household items, saloon accessories, electrical/electronic items and others (unclassified items). Macroplastics in water showed highest mass in food wraps (23.50±2.11%) and lowest in fishing materials (0.42±0.14%). However, macroplastics in sediments had highest value in food wraps (10.64±3.57%) with lowest in polyvinylchloride (0.25±0.60%). The mean values of the measured physico-chemical parameters were recorded. There was higher macroplastic load in water than in sediments in all categories except for saloon accessories and laundry materials. All physicochemical variables were within the permissible limit except for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), turbidity and chlorine. This research calls for an integrated approach that includes governmental regulation, local involvement, and innovative waste reduction practices to address the growing macroplastic problem at Bundu Waterfront. Immediate action is critical to preserving Nigeria’s coastal and marine environments, maintaining biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable development in affected communities.

Keywords: Macroplastics, pollution, waterfronts, sediment, environment

[This article belongs to Journal of Water Pollution & Purification Research ]

How to cite this article: Esaenwi A.L, Bubu-Davies O.A, Ilesanmi A.I, Ekweozor I.K.E, Otene B.B. Variations of Macroplastics in Water and Sediments at Bundu Waterfront, Upper Bonny Estuary, Rivers State, Nigeria. Journal of Water Pollution & Purification Research. 2026; 13(02):12-22.
How to cite this URL: Esaenwi A.L, Bubu-Davies O.A, Ilesanmi A.I, Ekweozor I.K.E, Otene B.B. Variations of Macroplastics in Water and Sediments at Bundu Waterfront, Upper Bonny Estuary, Rivers State, Nigeria. Journal of Water Pollution & Purification Research. 2026; 13(02):12-22. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jowppr/article=2026/view=251797

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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 02
Received 14/04/2026
Accepted 26/05/2026
Published 10/06/2026
Publication Time 57 Days

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