Evaluation of Microplastic Pollution in Aquatic Habitats: An In-Depth Study with Emphasis on Petroleum and Gas Industry Activities

Abstract Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to aquatic habitats, necessitating thorough investigation into its environmental impact. Microplastic originates from plastic fragments and particles that have been used and subsequently discarded in the environment or deliberately thrown into the rivers. This research project aims to assess the environmental impact of microplastics on aquatic habitats, utilizing bulk or volume-reduced sampling techniques to collect microplastic samples from various water volumes. Microplastic masses of 5.39g, 6.54g, 5.99g, and 8.56g were retrieved from 5 litres, 10 litres, 15 litres, and 20 litres of Jabi Lake water samples, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses were conducted to characterize the microplastic particles. Based on the spectrum analysis, the extracted microplastics were identified as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and polycarbonate, evidenced by significant peaks observed at 3025.05 cm-1, 2849.35 cm-1, 2919.23 cm-1, and 1027.27 cm-1 respectively. The results confirm the presence of polymer types such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and polycarbonate within the microplastic samples. Furthermore, these microplastics act as carriers for harmful substances such as Bisphenol A, Phthalates, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), posing further risks to aquatic organisms and ecosystems. Hence, this study has substantiated the presence of microplastics in Jabi Lake, attributable to the activities of the petroleum and gas industry in the region.