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Microplastic-associated toxicants in the Nile River: a scoping review of bioaccumulation and health risks
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This review summarizes existing research on microplastics in Egypt's Nile River, found in water, sediment, and over 75% of sampled Cairo fish. Studies show microplastics can carry heavy metals, pollutants, and antibiotics, causing oxidative stress and reproductive problems in aquatic organisms, though human health effects in Nile populations remain largely unstudied.
Microplastics (MPs) are known to carry toxic compounds in aquatic ecosystems, but information about the Nile River remains scattered. This review consolidates the current knowledge of MPs and related toxic substances in the Nile River, with a focus on bioaccumulation, transfer through the food chain, and dangers to aquatic life and human consumers. A systematic search of five databases from 2010 to 2026 identified 50 relevant studies. MPs, mainly polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene fibres, were found in Nile water (2.24 to 3.76 particles/L), sediments (up to 520 particles/kg), and organisms, with more than 75% of the fish sampled from the Nile River in Cairo containing MPs. Seasonal variations resulted in higher concentrations during summer. Experiments have demonstrated the uptake of MPs and their role in transporting heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), antibiotics, and plastic additives, increasing ecotoxicological risks. Aquatic organisms exhibit toxic effects such as oxidative stress, immune suppression, slowed growth, and reproductive problems. Although data on human health are limited, MPs and their toxic cargo have been linked worldwide to tissue buildup, inflammation, and gene damage, raising concerns for people relying on the Nile River. Despite these findings, knowledge gaps remain, especially regarding trophic transfer, biomagnification, and some health outcomes in Nile populations. This review emphasizes the need for standardized monitoring, better waste management, and targeted cleanup efforts. To our knowledge, this is the first review to specifically focus on MP-related toxicants in the Nile River, paving the way for future research in ecology and public health.
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Microplastic contamination in water, fish, and shrimp collected from the Nile River in Upper Egypt poses ecological and human health hazards
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Researchers found significant microplastic contamination in Nile River water, fish, and shrimp in Upper Egypt, with urban areas showing the highest levels. They estimated that adults living in the area may ingest thousands of microplastic particles per kilogram of body weight annually through water alone. Since millions of people depend on the Nile for drinking water and food, these findings raise serious concerns about long-term health effects from chronic microplastic exposure.
‘The Plastic Nile’: First Evidence of Microplastic Contamination in Fish from the Nile River (Cairo, Egypt)
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Researchers provided the first evidence of microplastic contamination in fish from the Nile River in Cairo, Egypt, finding that over 75% of sampled Nile tilapia and catfish contained microplastics in their digestive tracts, with fibers and fragments being the dominant particle types.
Distribution and Abundance of Microplastics (MPs) in the Water, Sediment, and Some Freshwater Animals, Nile River, Upper Egypt
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Researchers found microplastics in all water, sediment, and animal samples collected from the Nile River in Upper Egypt, with Edfu showing the highest abundances and crayfish accumulating the most microplastics in gills while African catfish had the highest alimentary canal burden.
The first evidence of microplastic presence in the River Nile in Khartoum, Sudan: Using Nile Tilapia fish as a bio-indicator
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This scoping study investigated microplastic presence in Nile Tilapia fish from the River Nile in Khartoum, Sudan -- the first such study in Sudanese freshwaters -- finding microplastics across sampled fish. The authors establish baseline data for a major African river system with previously no microplastic records.
Prevalence and risk assessment of microplastics in the Nile Delta estuaries: “The Plastic Nile” revisited
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Researchers assessed microplastic prevalence and health risks in estuaries of the Nile Delta in Egypt, finding MPs in water, sediment, and seafood samples across multiple sites. Risk assessment indicated potential exposure concern for communities relying on these estuaries for food and water.
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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.