Spatial Distribution of Microplastics and Soil Physical Properties Across Different Land Uses in Central Cross River State, Nigeria.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66811/eijrihs.vol1.no2.25Keywords:
Microplastics, Soil Physical Properties, Land Use, Cross River State, Spatial Distribution, Tropical SoilsAbstract
This study investigated the spatial variability of microplastic contamination and selected soil physical properties across four land-use types residential, commercial, agricultural, and forest in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Central Cross River State, Nigeria: Boki, Ikom, and Obubra. A total of 48 sampling points were established across twelve villages, and soil samples were analyzed for microplastic concentration, particle size distribution, bulk density, porosity, gravimetric and volumetric moisture content, available moisture holding capacity, air-filled porosity, degree of saturation, and void ratio. Results revealed that commercial land use consistently recorded the highest microplastic concentrations (mean: 12.12 g kg⁻¹; 150.87 kg ha⁻¹), while forest soils recorded the lowest (mean: 0.995 g kg⁻¹; 10.65 kg ha⁻¹). Soil textural classification was predominantly sandy loam across all LGAs. Bulk density was highest under residential land use (1.317 g cm⁻³), while forest soils exhibited the highest porosity (60.22%) and gravimetric moisture content (23.22%). These findings highlight the differential impact of anthropogenic land-use activities on microplastic accumulation and soil physical quality, with implications for sustainable soil management and agricultural productivity in the region.
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