Abundance and Distribution of Microplastics as Emerging Contaminants in Public Water Supply Dams of Jos-Bukuru Metropolis, Plateau State

The distribution of microplastic across water treatment infrastructure in Jos and its environs was determined using oil extraction methods. Raw water from the water storage facilities was analysed for microplastics and physico-chemical properties. The physico-chemical properties of the water showed pH range of 7.16 - 7.44, electrical conductivity of 15.67 - 73.2 µS/cm, Total Dissolved Solids 34.3 - 95 mg/L and Total Suspended particles ranging between 33.3 - 48.9 mg/L. The results indicated the presence of microplastics in all the storage facilities ranging from 3,368 to 4,353 particles/L, and the mean levels of 4,353 particles/L, 4,230 particles/L, 3,746 particles/L and 3,368 particles/L, for Lamingo Dam, Liberty Dam, Yakubu Gowon Dam and Yelwa Pond respectively. The distribution of microplastic particles in Lamingo Dam showed a higher variability suggesting the influence of point-source pollution or localized anthropogenic activity. Liberty Dam in contrast, showed relatively uniform distribution pointing to more homogeneous contamination inputs. The microplastic abundance levels across the studied water facilities were relatively high with tyre debris being dominant. This suggests the particles to be of vehicular origin due to tyre wear. The presence of microplastics in the municipal water sources may pose health threat to the municipality and aquatic lives.