We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Plastic pollution in the environment in Nigeria: A rapid systematic review of the sources, distribution, research gaps and policy needs
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a systematic review of plastic pollution research in Nigeria and found critical data gaps — covering only 15 of 36 states — with microplastics detected in fish, insects, and water, highlighting the need for stronger policies, better monitoring, and expanded research to address the growing plastic crisis in West Africa.
Plastic are emerging pollutants requiring urgent intervention for its management. In African countries like Nigeria, the evidence to inform plastic pollution management is scanty. This rapid review aimed to systematically evaluate evidence on the distribution, sources, biological effects, research gaps and policy needs of plastic pollution in various environmental matrices in Nigeria. Peer-reviewed journal articles on nano-, micro-, meso- and macroplastics contamination of water, sediment, air, soil and biota were accessed from PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. They were screened, comprehensively revised and critically appraised for inclusion, data extraction and evidence synthesis. A total of 358,974 articles were accessed from any publication date up till May 30, 2021. Only 34 articles met the inclusion criteria and critical appraisal. Only 26 of the included studies reported the distribution, levels and/or effects of microplastics (MPs) (n = 12), macroplastics (n = 12) or both (n = 2) in water, sediment, biota, food and/or land. Only 15 of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory had any data on micro- and/or macroplastics. Macroplastics from land-based sources were mainly reported from educational institutions, residential areas and markets. Plastic sources reported were tire wear, cigarette butts, fishing ropes and gears, plastic bags, water sachets and e-wastes. Biological effects (oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, reduced plant root biomass) of virgin MPs were reported in crab, African catfish and lime tree only in laboratory experiments. Microplastic data in biota were limited to selected fish species, aquatic insects and gastropods. Only one (1) study on plastics in waterbodies in Northern Nigeria (Kogi State) was found. Research gaps on plastic distribution in terrestrial biota, other aquatic biota, soil, air, ground and potable water sources as well as biological effects were identified. Policy needs for plastic pollution management identified include stakeholder education, polymer replacement, recycling, tax and incentives to support the sustainability of life below water and on land (UN SDGs 14 and 15).
More Papers Like This
Plastic Pollution in the Environment in Nigeria: A Rapid Systematic Review of the Sources, Distribution, Research Gaps and Policy Needs
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review examines plastic pollution across Nigeria's environment, including water, soil, air, and food. The research finds that plastic contamination is widespread but under-studied in African countries, with significant gaps in data and policy. Understanding plastic pollution in developing nations is critical because these regions often lack the waste management infrastructure to prevent microplastic contamination of food and water.
The importance of microplastics pollution studies in water and soil of Nigeria ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
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 the Nigerian Environment- A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes microplastic contamination in Nigeria, covering sources, distribution in the environment, and potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. The study highlights that microplastics are now detectable throughout Nigerian environments and calls for greater research attention and policy action in the West African context.
Macrodebris and Microplastics Pollution in Nigeria: First Report on Abundance, Distribution and Composition
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first comprehensive survey of macroplastic and microplastic pollution across multiple sites in Nigeria, documenting abundant plastic debris — including fragments, films, and pellets — in coastal and freshwater environments. The study establishes baseline contamination data for an understudied region of West Africa.
Microplastics in the Nigerian Environment- A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes the state of microplastic research in Nigeria, covering findings from terrestrial and aquatic environments. It highlights the rapid proliferation of plastics, their breakdown into microplastics, and the limited but growing research attention given to this issue in the Nigerian context.
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.