We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A bibliometric analysis and systematic review of microplastic pollution in Ethiopia
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes existing research on microplastic pollution in Ethiopia, finding most studies focused on freshwater systems, mainly sediment and surface water. Microplastic particles, often fragments and fibres, were found in 35 to 61.7% of fish samples, and the review notes inconsistent measurement methods and the absence of regulations addressing microplastic pollution in the country.
Abstract Microplastic pollution has emerged as a major environmental, human health, and socioeconomic concern worldwide, yet knowledge of its occurrence, impact, and research development in Ethiopia remains fragmented. This review bibliometrically analyzed and systematically synthesized peer-reviewed studies published from 2020 to May 2026 to evaluate research trends, spatial distribution, methodological variations, potential sources and pathways, exposure, impacts, and regulatory frameworks related to microplastics across different environmental compartments in Ethiopia. The reviewed studies comprised 77.77% on freshwater systems, 11.11% on drinking water systems, and 11.11% on urban drainage systems. Despite increasing scientific attention, the spatial distribution of the studies was concentrated in the freshwater environment, with limited regional state coverage. Sediment and surface water were the predominantly studied environmental matrices, with two studies on biota (fish only) samples. Even though research on biota samples is limited, these studies demonstrated that microplastic particles were detected in 35 to 61.7% of fish samples, which is an important indicator of the environmental and ecological risks that can directly influence socioeconomic and human health. These studies showed that fragments and fibres with transparent color were dominant microplastic shapes across different environments and environmental matrices. Polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and polypropylene were frequently identified polymers. The reported microplastic concentrations were inconsistent among studies, reflecting methodological differences and reporting units, which limits comparative cross-study analysis. Despite growing microplastic occurrence in aquatic environments and inhabited aquatic organisms, the country currently lacks dedicated regulatory frameworks addressing microplastic pollution and impacts. This review identifies the need for harmonised analytical methodologies and establishes regulatory frameworks to support effective management and mitigation of microplastic pollution and prevent human health problems. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive baseline understanding of microplastic pollution and guidance to improve its governance, thereby mitigating plastic pollution and supporting sustainable environmental management.
More Papers Like This
Assessment of microplastics in water and sediment from Megech river, major tributary to Lake Tana
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in the Megech River in Ethiopia, finding an average of 0.55 microplastic particles per liter in surface water and 19.39 particles per kilogram in sediment, with higher concentrations near urban areas. This baseline study highlights how growing plastic use in developing nations is reaching even freshwater systems in East Africa.
Distribution of microplastic and small macroplastic particles across four fish species and sediment in an African lake
AI summary Read the abstract
Four fish species in an Ethiopian lake ingested plastic particles at a rate of 35%, with bottom-feeding fish accumulating significantly more plastics than the planktivorous tilapia, and higher ingestion rates during the wet season. The study provides the first evidence of plastic pollution in Lake Ziway, one of Ethiopia's major water sources.
Occurrence of microplastics in commercial fish species from the Ethiopian rift valley’s Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented microplastic occurrence in commercial fish species from Ethiopian rift valley lakes, detecting plastics in gut contents across multiple species and characterizing polymer types linked to local agricultural and urban pollution sources.
Occurrence of microplastics in water and sediment of a highly urbanized lake ecosystem in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled water and sediment from an urbanized lake in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and found microplastics predominantly consisting of polyethylene followed by PET, with small fragments and transparent particles most common. This study provides baseline data on freshwater microplastic pollution in an understudied East African ecosystem.
Microplastics in African freshwater sediments: A systematic review of characteristics, abundance and analytical methods
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review examines microplastic contamination in African freshwater sediments. The research found highly variable microplastic levels across different water systems, with fibers and fragments being the most common types. Freshwater contamination is a concern for human health because many African communities depend directly on rivers and lakes for drinking water and fish.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.