Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in water, sediment, and aquatic insects of the Owena River, Osun state, Nigeria

Key Points

• Microplastics affect aquatic insects throughout water and sediment, raising ecological concerns.
• A total of 150 samples revealed microplastics in 85% of aquatic insects collected from the river.
• Analysis of water, sediment, and insects assessed microplastic distribution in the Owena River.
• These findings highlight the potential risks of microplastic pollution on local ecosystems.