ASSESSMENT OF MICROPLASTICS IN SOIL SAMPLE AROUND USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY SOKOTO HOSTELS

Microplastics are increasingly recognized as emerging pollutants in terrestrial ecosystems. This study investigated the presence and characteristics of microplastics in soil samples collected from five hostels within Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS): I Block (Sample A), Jibril Aminu Hostel (Sample B), Kano House (Sample C), Nana Asmau Hostel (Sample D), and Zamfara Hostel (Sample E). Soil samples were subjected to acid digestion to remove organic matter, and residues were examined under a light microscope to identify and classify microplastics based on shape and color. Microplastics were detected in all samples, with abundances ranging from 12 to 29 particles per 100 g of soil. The highest concentration was recorded in Jibril Aminu Hostel (Sample B), while the lowest was found in Zamfara Hostel (Sample E). Fibers (80.00q%) and fragments (45.83%%) were the most dominant shapes, followed by films (25.00%) and then beads (8.30%). The predominant colors observed were black, blue and transparent, with minor occurrences of red and green. The widespread occurrence of microplastics across all hostels highlights the contribution of anthropogenic activities such as improper waste disposal, synthetic clothing fibers, and plastic litter degradation. The higher concentrations observed in densely populated hostels suggest a direct link between human activity intensity and soil microplastic contamination. This study provides the first baseline evidence of microplastic pollution in hostel soils at UDUS. The findings emphasize the urgent need for improved plastic waste management practices and further research on the potential ecological and health impacts of microplastics in terrestrial environments.