We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics pollution in terrestrial ecosystems of Africa: current knowledge, challenges, and building collaborative research networks
Summary
Despite microplastic contamination of soils being a growing global concern, very few studies have examined terrestrial ecosystems in Africa, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of the problem across the continent. This review maps what little is known, identifies research gaps, and proposes a framework for building collaborative research networks between African scientists and established international research groups. Closing these knowledge gaps is essential for developing appropriate pollution responses and policies across African nations.
Abstract Microplastics pollution has become an emerging concern globally, affecting all ecosystems. Microplastics contamination in terrestrial ecosystems has drawn less attention than in aquatic ecosystems, resulting in comparatively fewer studies. When considering studies on terrestrial ecosystems, very little has been reported from African countries, revealing a lack of data on microplastics contamination and its effect on the terrestrial ecosystems of Africa. Here, we position microplastics research in Africa within the global research landscape on terrestrial ecosystems, identify gaps in knowledge, and suggest a framework for research networks among African scientists within and outside Africa and institutional collaborations with well-established research groups outside the continent.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The importance of microplastics pollution studies in water and soil of Nigeria ecosystems
This review highlights the lack of microplastic pollution research in Nigeria, despite the country's growing plastic production and consumption. The author calls for more local studies to generate data needed for science-based policy on plastic waste management in African ecosystems.
Microplastics in African ecosystems: Current knowledge, abundance, associated contaminants, techniques, and research needs
This review synthesized current knowledge on microplastic abundance, associated contaminants, and ecological effects in African ecosystems, a region that ranks among the highest in mismanaged plastic waste. Despite the scale of the problem, the review found insufficient environmental monitoring data from Africa, calling for continent-specific research to support accurate global risk assessments.
Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments in Africa: status and research opportunities
This review examines the status of microplastic pollution research in African aquatic environments, noting that Africa's high rate of plastic waste mismanagement has resulted in widespread contamination of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Researchers found significant research gaps in the region despite its outsized contribution to global plastic pollution, and identified opportunities for expanded monitoring given microplastics' capacity to adsorb persistent organic pollutants.
Consideration of emerging environmental contaminants in africa: Review of occurrence, formation, fate, and toxicity of plastic particles
This review examined the occurrence of micro- and nanoplastics in African environments, covering contamination across aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric matrices. It highlighted that despite Africa's significant contribution to global plastic pollution, monitoring data from the continent remain sparse relative to Europe and North America.
Microplastic pollution in African countries’ water systems: a review on findings, applied methods, characteristics, impacts, and managements
This review synthesizes findings on microplastic pollution in water systems across African countries, highlighting methodological approaches, particle characteristics, sources, and impacts, while noting the limited but growing body of African microplastic research.