Microplastic Pollution
Detection and characterization of microplastics in water, sediments, zooplankton, molluscs, shrimps and selected fish species consumed locally.
Integrated science
Research & Objectives
Muanda Ocean Watch studies microplastic pollution, zooplankton biodiversity and ecotoxicological risk across environmental samples and locally consumed marine organisms.
Key areas
Core Components
Marine Biodiversity
Morphological and molecular identification of zooplankton and marine invertebrates, including DNA barcoding for a comprehensive Muanda species inventory.
Ecotoxicological Risk
Assessment of microplastic ingestion or absorption in Congolese marine invertebrates, linking pollution to food safety and public health.
Project detail
Research Questions
- What is the presence, distribution and concentration of microplastics in Muanda's coastal and estuarine ecosystems?
- Which zooplankton and invertebrate species are present, and how does biodiversity vary across sites and seasons?
- What are the ecotoxicological effects of microplastic exposure on key marine invertebrates?
- Do locally consumed seafood resources remain within accepted health and safety standards?
- Where are the pollution hotspots, sensitive habitats and exposure pathways for coastal communities?
Approach
How the Work Moves
Co-design
Stakeholders help define priorities, select sampling sites and validate protocols from day one.
Integrated Methods
Field sampling, laboratory analysis, molecular tools and community knowledge are combined.
Open Science
Data is prepared for repositories under FAIR and CARE principles.
Policy Translation
Findings become practical recommendations for waste management, fisheries and conservation.