Browsing by Author "Michael Girimay"

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    Assessment of Micro-Plastic in Surface Water and Sediment of Lake Aba Samuel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-01) Michael Girimay; Tadesse Alemu; Selamawit Gebremedhin
    Microplastic is a growing global concern with significant environmental implications in Ethiopia, there is limited study to identify the level of microplastic pollution in all environmental compartments. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the composition and the extent of microplastic pollution in surface water and sediment of Lake Aba Samuel located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Samples were collected from three sampling points, for water samples using a stainless-steel sieve and a pump-assisted filtration device while the sediment sample was collected using a grab sampler. Sodium Iodide (NaI) was employed for density separation, and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), and Potassium hydroxide (KOH) were utilized to remove organic matter. microplastic particles were quantified and photographed using a stereomicroscope equipped with a digital camera. Additionally, SEM captured the morphology of microplastic, and the polymer composition was determined through FTIR analysis. The abundance of microplastics was recorded in mean values ranging from 24 to 52.33 particles/L and 39.67 to 73.69 particles/Kg in water and sediment samples, respectively. The sampling site and abundance of microplastics in water and sediment samples were statistically significant at P<0.05. The size of microplastics <100μm was abundant in both sample types. Fragments and fiber with transparent and blue colors of MPs were present in a large number. Polyethylene (35%), polypropylene (25%), polyethylene terephthalate (14%), polystyrene (18%), and other (8%) were contained in the water sample. In the sediment, sample polyethylene terephthalate (35%), Polyethylene (25%), Polyvinyl chloride (20%) polypropylene (10%), polystyrene (5%), and other (5%) were contended. The NPI value of the lake was 0.55, which indicates light pollution, and the PHI value of the lake was 32.87, which is below the threshold value and suggests minimum risk. The findings of the study emphasize the need for prompt action. To prevent more contamination and protect the ecological integrity of urban water bodies such as Lake Aba Samuel and other Ethiopian lakes, it is crucial to implement policy interventions, effective waste management techniques, regulations on plastic usage, and public awareness programs.