Occurrences of Microplastics In Relation To Zooplankton Species Abundance In Lagos Lagoon

Microplastics (MPs) are considered a potential threat to marine life as it is ingested by a wide variety of species. This study investigated the microplastics occurrence and distribution in plankton samples in relation to zooplankton abundance in Lagos Lagoon. Five microplastics morphology categories were recorded with fragment particles being the most dominant while polyethylene was the most predominant polymer. Five classes of zooplankton were recorded with total abundance of seventy-three (73). Copepods were the most abundant zooplankton group recorded throughout the study period. Microplastics abundance was significantly higher than that of zooplankton in the plankton samples (P<0.05. The presence of microplastics occurrence over time observed indicates that the type and level of microplastics distribution pattern may be closely correlated to human activities. Hence, the present findings raise concerns about the widespread nature of microplastics in Lagos Lagoon