We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of plastic waste generation and management in residential locations, Ilorin, Nigeria: DPSIR analysis and circular economy pathway
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed plastic waste generation in Nigerian residential areas and found per-capita output well below global averages but with inadequate collection and recycling infrastructure, proposing circular economy strategies to reduce the pollution that ultimately reaches waterways and marine environments.
The growing problem of plastic waste in Nigeria is one of the major environmental issues, primarily influenced by population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. To tackle this problem, this study assessed plastic waste generation and management in Ilorin township, focusing on Gaa-Akanbi and Tanke Oke-Odo residential locations. The study revealed that the average plastic waste generated per capita was estimated at 0.16 kg/cap/day in Gaa-Akanbi and 0.29 kg/cap/day in Tanke Oke-Odo. Furthermore, the composition of plastic waste differed in these areas, with Gaa-Akanbi having a majority of Polyethylene (PE) at 57.05%, followed by Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at 12.83%, Polystyrene (PS) at 12.25%, Polypropylene (PP) at 11.08%, and other types at 6.76%. On the other hand, Tanke Oke-Odo's plastic waste composition consisted of PE (56.28%), PET (15.73%), PS (12.21%), PP (9.65%), and other types (6.12%). Alarmingly, the study found that most residents were using unsustainable waste disposal practices, with 28% handing their waste to collectors, 11% relying on municipal collection bins, 10% resorting to open dumping, and a significant 51% burning their plastic waste, all of which contribute to environmental pollution. Furthermore, excluding investigations on the household waste generation rate for Gaa-akanbi and the generation rate for plastic waste, all other studies showed that p values > 0.05 as confirmed with the aid of statistical evaluation. Therefore, taking urgent action based on these insights is crucial to mitigate the adverse impacts of plastic waste on the environment and human well-being in the region. Therefore, adopting circular economy principles and utilizing the DPSIR framework is practically suitable to address this issue effectively.
More Papers Like This
Sources and Impacts of Microplastics Release from Recycling: A Study of Selected Recycling Facilities in Alimosho Area of Lagos, Nigeria.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic release from selected recycling facilities in Lagos, Nigeria, finding that the recycling process itself generates and disperses microplastic particles into surrounding environments. The findings challenge assumptions that recycling is a clean solution to plastic waste, revealing that without proper containment, facilities can become point sources of microplastic pollution affecting nearby communities and waterways.
Constraints of Conventional Strategies in Managing Plastic Waste and Future Challenges
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed the shortcomings of conventional plastic waste management strategies — including landfilling, incineration, and mechanical recycling — finding that none adequately address the scale and complexity of global plastic pollution, and called for more innovative and integrated approaches.
Challenges, Strategies, and Recommendations for the Huge Surge in Plastic and Medical Waste during the Global COVID-19 Pandemic with Circular Economy Approach
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated plastic and medical waste generation and proposed circular economy strategies — including biodegradable plastics and improved disinfection — to prevent the surge in single-use plastics from creating a lasting microplastic pollution crisis.
Sources and Environmental Distribution of Microplastics in Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the sources and distribution of microplastics throughout Nigeria's environment, finding that poor plastic waste infrastructure and rapid urbanization are major contributors. The study highlights how microplastics are accumulating in soils, waterways, and food sources in regions with limited regulatory capacity to address the problem.
Plastic Pollution and the Need for Responsible Plastic Consumption and Waste Management
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper reviewed the global scale of plastic pollution across environmental compartments and assessed current waste management practices — recycling, composting, incineration, and landfill — finding that all existing approaches result in leakage of plastics into natural environments. Closing the gap between plastic production and effective end-of-life management is a prerequisite for halting the continuous input of new microplastic particles into ecosystems and ultimately into human bodies.
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.