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Microplastics (MPs) and Nanoplastics (NPs) in Lake Victoria: A Systematic Review of Contamination Pathways, Trophic Transfer, and Health Implications in the Context of Emerging Contaminants.
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This review pulls together existing research on tiny plastic particles found in Lake Victoria, a major freshwater source in East Africa, tracing how they move from water into fish and other wildlife. It matters because these particles could eventually make their way into people's food and water, though the review focuses on organizing what's already known rather than proving new health effects.
This repository contains the data and supplementary materials supporting the systematic scoping review entitled “Microplastics (MPs) and Nanoplastics (NPs) in Lake Victoria: A Systematic Review of Contamination Pathways, Trophic Transfer, and Health Implications in the Context of Emerging Contaminants.” The repository provides materials supporting the transparency and reproducibility of the review, including the full database search strategies, study screening and selection records, data extraction materials, list of included studies, and supplementary information. These materials provide the underlying documentation and data used to identify, assess, and synthesize the available evidence on microplastics and nanoplastics in Lake Victoria. This dataset is intended to support verification, transparency, and future research on plastic contamination, trophic transfer, environmental exposure, and potential health implications associated with microplastics and nanoplastics in the Lake Victoria basin.
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Microplastics (MPs) and Nanoplastics (NPs) in Lake Victoria: A Systematic Review of Contamination Pathways, Trophic Transfer, and Health Implications in the Context of Emerging Contaminants.
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Scientists reviewed existing studies on tiny plastic particles polluting Lake Victoria, a major freshwater source in East Africa, tracing how they move from water into fish and other wildlife. While this review doesn't test new samples, it highlights growing concern that these plastics could work their way up the food chain to people who eat fish or drink the water, though more research is needed to confirm actual health risks.
Occurrence and polymer characterization of microplastics in surface waters of tributaries draining into Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, Kenya
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Researchers found tiny plastic fragments (microplastics) in rivers flowing into Lake Victoria, Africa's largest freshwater lake, with the most pollution near urbanized areas—suggesting city runoff is a major source. While this study didn't test health effects, it matters because these rivers feed a lake that millions of people rely on for drinking water and fish, and understanding where plastic pollution comes from is the first step toward cleaning it up before it reaches people's plates and glasses.
Microplastics in Inland African Waters: Presence, Sources, and Fate
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Researchers reviewed what is known about microplastic pollution in Africa's inland waters, including the massive Great Lakes system and major rivers like the Congo and Nile, and found a striking lack of research data. The limited studies available, including one from Lake Victoria, confirm microplastics are present in fish guts, underscoring the urgent need for expanded monitoring across this understudied region.
Levels and Classification of Microplastics and Their Impact on the Wellbeing of Selected Commercially Important Fish Species in Kisumu Bay, Lake Victoria
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A study in Kenya's Lake Victoria found microplastics in the digestive tracts of 65% of fish sampled across four commercially important species, including Nile perch and tilapia. Given that these species are important sources of dietary protein for millions of people in East Africa, the findings raise direct human health concerns about plastic ingestion through fish consumption and call for stronger environmental protections in African freshwater systems.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Microplastics in Nakivubo Catchment: Implications for the Pollution of Lake Victoria
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Researchers tracked spatiotemporal dynamics of microplastics in the Nakivubo catchment in Uganda, finding elevated MP concentrations near urban drainage channels that flow into Lake Victoria, with implications for freshwater quality and regional food security.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.