Preliminary Investigation of Microplastic as a Vector for Heavy Metals in Bye-ma Salt Mine, Wukari, Nigeria

This study is aimed at the preliminary investigation of microplastics as carrier heavy metals pollution in surface sediment. Heavy concentration was determined by FAAS while characterization analysed ATR-FTIR spectrophotometer. The results obtained showed high level lead (Pb) concentrations which ranged from 21.37 - 32.80 mg/kg across sampling sites Cd has least between 0.04 0.80 mg/kg. Pb and were above USEPA permissible limit following absorption bands; 2978.19, 1728.28 1458.23 cm-1 with functional groups; C-H stretch, C=O stretch CH2 bend indicates presence Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) site S2 S4 respectively. Other found are Nylon, Nitrile, Polycarbonate Poly propylene. that there identical distribution sites. quantities isolated 8.11 8.16 g Aquatic organisms fed on these polymeric materials because their unique appearance. Hence, adsorption will to higher could be ingested serious complication intestine.