A MICROPLASTICS CONTAMINATION  IN DONGA RIVER, DONGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA TARABA STATE

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a significant threat to freshwater ecosystems, particularly in regions where baseline data remain scarce. This study investigated the occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of microplastics in water and sediment samples from Donga River, Taraba State, Nigeria. Different physicochemical parameters namely; conductivity, pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen were analysed according to the standard methods described by UNICEF/WHO, (2017). The microplastics from the water and sediment were extracted as explained by Turhan, (2022). The[u1]  observation and identification of microplastics in water and sediment samples of petri dishes containing the filter paper were observed using a compound binocular microscope (Motic).Microplastics were detected across all sampling locations, with identified polymers including polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Sediment samples exhibited higher concentrations, indicating their role as major sinks for microplastic accumulation. Ecological risk assessment revealed that PE, PVC, PS, and PA posed moderate environmental risks (Level II), whereas PP and PET were associated with lower risk levels (Level I).Variations in physicochemical parameters[u2] (Ph,DO,Temperature and conductivity) were found to influence the spatial distribution of microplastics. The widespread contamination observed suggests significant anthropogenic inputs, primarily from improper waste disposal and surface runoff. These findings provide critical baseline data for environmental monitoring and highlight the urgent need for improved waste management strategies and effective regulatory frameworks to protect freshwater ecosystems and public health in the region.