Title: Polymer Types and Plastic-Associated Materials Identified in Marine Base Creek, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Muideen Olaitan Taleat, Reuben Nwomandah Okparanma, Silas Ovua Nkakini, Asinyetogha Hikiah Igoni
Volume: 10
Issue: 9
Pages: 36-43
Publication Date: 2026/09/28
Abstract:
Microplastic contamination of urban creeks is an emerging environmental concern, particularly in rapidly urbanizing coastal cities where wastewater, runoff, household waste and industrial activities converge. This study identified and classified microplastic-associated materials present in Marine Base Creek, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, under decreasing- and increasing-tide conditions. Surface-water samples were collected from two sections of the creek at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 m, with three replicates at each location. Samples were extracted using density separation with an ultrasonic bath and analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with a diamond attenuated-total-reflectance accessory. Spectra were recorded at 4 cm?¹ resolution with 64 scans and matched against Hummel polymer and Nicolet spectral libraries. Identified particles were additionally examined microscopically, and their type and size were recorded. Eight recurring material categories were identified across the studied locations and tidal conditions: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, acrylic fibre, dioctyl terephthalate, polybrominated diphenyl ether and tetrabromobisphenol-A. Polyethylene and polypropylene were reported as the most frequently detected polymer types, while polyethylene terephthalate was also prevalent. Acrylic fibre indicated a potential contribution from textile-related releases, whereas dioctyl terephthalate, polybrominated diphenyl ether and tetrabromobisphenol-A indicated the presence of plastic-associated additives or additive-related compounds. The simultaneous occurrence of several polymer classes demonstrates that Marine Base Creek receives microplastic inputs from multiple anthropogenic pathways. The findings provide a baseline polymer profile for the creek within this urban brackish waterway and support source-oriented monitoring, pollution prevention and future assessment of microplastic fate in Port Harcourt urban waterways.