Invisible Peril: Assessing microplastic pollution in Ghanaian mangroves

Abstract

Mangroves are key providers of crucial ecological services. This study's aim is to investigate the levels of microplastic (MP) contamination in mangroves from Ghana's Western and Central regions. A total of 1303 particles were analysed from sediment and water samples, 65 % comprising MPs. West and Central regions had notable differences in MPs abundance. Sediment had the highest number of MPs (703 MPs), with concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 2.23 MPs/g·dw, whilst concentrations in water ranged from 0.2 to 3.75 MPs/l. Fibre shapes were the most abundant MP (67 %) followed by fragments. Ten different groups of polymers were found, with polyester, polyethylene and polypropylene being the most abundant. Synthetic hair, textile and water sachets/small plastic bags were expected to be the source of most MPs collected. High population abundance was shown to be related to high levels of MPs. Our findings suggest reducing single-use plastics, waste management/treatment, and clean drinking water, could reduce the impact of MPs in Ghana. • Ghanaian urbanised regions present the highest amount of microplastic. • Mangrove sediment sequestering higher amounts of microplastics. • Polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene are the most common microplastics. • Single-use plastic bags/water sachets were microplastic fragment sources. • Microplastic fibre origin was linked to synthetic beauty products.