Micro and Meso-plastics pollution along kigungu landing site on lake victoria in Entebbe Wakiso District.

Abstract

Plastic pollution of aquatic ecosystems is a global recognized environmental challenge especially micro and meso-plastics. In this study, the status of micro and meso-plastic pollution along Kigungu landing was assessed in the water surface transects and in O. niloticus gut content got from different sites. 36 water samples and 12 samples of Nile tilapia were examined from 6 different points along the landing site; Makusa 1 and 2, Misoli, Catholic Church, fish handling slab section and at tower corner. The samples were examined using a hand lens for meso-plastics and microscope for micro-plastics. The results show a total of 36 particles and 4 particles in the shoreline water and in the tilapia gut content respectively. Different types of plastic particles obtained included; fishing twine (18), wig (10), polyethene (8), and beads and sack twine (4) in smaller quantity. The pollution status along the landing site was 36 particles per 7200ml of water surface transect and 4 particles per 12 heads of Nile tilapia. There was no significant difference between the types of plastics obtained in the shoreline water and in the tilapia gut content (X2=2.191, df =3, P= 0.534). This implies that the fish could have obtained the plastic particles from the shoreline water. Hence proper plastic waste management measures should be implemented in the community along the landing site and in its vicinity in order to protect and conserve both the aquatic organisms and the habitat.