Microplastics in the Nigerian Environment- A review

The use of plastics and their applications is growing by the second. Their quick production and consequent improper disposal have made plastics a concern for researchers and policymakers. Plastics less than 5 mm are called microplastics and are now found almost everywhere. Microplastics are very resistant to microbial degradation and can spend a century before being thoroughly degraded, their introduction into the environment poses a threat. In addition, microplastics are easily broken out of plastics while in contact with light or radiation, which causes them to break down. It is worth emphasising that there are just a few researchers working on this subject in Nigeria, and there is a void that needs to be addressed. Nevertheless, the persistence of microplastics in the food chain and ecology has been identified as a significant issue. For that purpose, a number of studies have been conducted in the country, quantifying microplastics from various sources, such as the air, water, and soils. This paper examines the environmental hazard posed by plastics and microplastics, including contributions from the Nigerian scientific community, research gaps, and potential solutions.