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A synthesis of human health and ecological risk assessment indicators for microplastics in Nigerian water systems
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This review pulls together recent studies on tiny plastic particles (microplastics) found in Nigeria's rivers, tap water, groundwater, and bottled water, and finds that surface waters have the highest contamination while bottled water has the least. Kids face higher health risks than adults from drinking this contaminated water, and even treated tap water and groundwater pose a "medium" risk level for children specifically. The takeaway: microplastic pollution is a real and uneven problem across Nigeria, and researchers need more consistent testing methods and closer attention to children's exposure to better protect public health going forward.
Microplastics contaminate water systems globally, posing risks to human and ecological health. This review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed studies (2021-2025) that report health, ecological, or pollution risk indices for microplastics in Nigerian waters. Studies from Nigeria's six geopolitical zones were included alongside international studies for comparison of methodological approaches and polymer patterns. Concentrations are highest in surface waters (1.5-705 particles/L) and lowest in bottled water (1.4-44.6 particles/L). Health risks are consistently higher for children than adults; treated water and groundwater present medium risk for children. Ecological risks are high in several surface waters. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate are the dominant polymers. Methodological limitations include inconsistent risk indices, neglect of co-contaminants, and limited attention to vulnerable populations. Research coverage is uneven, with the Northeast and Northcentral underrepresented. Polymer composition mirrors global patterns, but Nigerian risk assessments are less diverse in methodology. The findings highlight the need for harmonized methods, expanded monitoring, and policy interventions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, 12, and 14 to protect water quality and public health in Nigeria.
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Microplastics Pollution in Nigerian Aquatic Ecosystems: Sources, Pathways, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies. A Review
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This review synthesized evidence on microplastic contamination across Nigerian aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, lagoons, seafood, and drinking water. The authors describe complex pollution pathways and impacts on organisms across trophic levels, while highlighting the need for Nigeria-specific research and stronger waste management policies.
Microplastic Contamination of Marine and Freshwater Fish in Nigeria: Occurrence, Particle Characteristics, Distribution, Ecological Implications and Human-health Concerns
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This review summarizes existing studies on microplastics in Nigerian fish from rivers, lagoons, coastal waters and markets. It found fish are widely exposed to microplastic particles like fibres and fragments, but weak study methods and inconsistent measurements mean claims about ecological harm or human health risk are not yet supported by evidence.
Concentration, characterization, and risk assessment of microplastics in two main rivers in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in two major rivers in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, that serve as sources for drinking water, fishing, and farming. Significant concentrations of microplastics were detected in both rivers, predominantly fibers and fragments composed of polyamide and polyethylene, with pollution load indices exceeding safe thresholds and indicating moderate to high ecological risk.
Integrated Assessment of Emerging Contaminants (Microplastics and Pfas) in Nigerian Freshwater Systems: A Review of Implications on Ecotoxicology and Human Health
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A review of Nigerian freshwater systems found widespread microplastic contamination — predominantly polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon fibers — alongside emerging evidence of PFAS persistence in water and sediments, with limited local monitoring data available. Both contaminant classes pose significant ecotoxicological risks and human health threats in Nigeria, where communities rely heavily on surface water, underscoring an urgent need for expanded monitoring and regulation.
Microplastic pollution in Nigeria: a review on environmental pathways, ecosystems, and human health implications
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This review pulls together 36 studies to show that microplastics — tiny plastic particles — are turning up in Nigeria's rivers, drinking water, table salt, fish, and seafood, with children likely getting exposed more than adults. While the research shows people are widely exposed to these plastics, scientists still don't have direct proof of how this affects human health, and most studies focus on southern Nigeria, leaving big gaps in understanding across the rest of the country. Bottom line: the pollution problem is real and growing, but more research is needed before we know exactly what it means for your health.
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