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Microplastics in Ethiopian Agrifood Systems: A One Health Approach
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This systematic review applied a One Health framework to assess microplastic contamination in Ethiopian agrifood systems, finding that research is limited but contamination pathways through water, soil, and food packaging are present, with gaps in data and monitoring capacity.
Abstract Introduction: Microplastics (MPs; <5 mm) are emerging environmental contaminants with pervasive impacts across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. While global research has emphasized marine systems, the occurrence, pathways, and impacts of MPs in agrifood systems remain poorly characterized in low- and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia. This study synthesizes current knowledge on MP contamination within Ethiopian agrifood systems using a One Health framework linking environmental, animal, and human health. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Fourty-eight studies published between 2011, and October 2025 were identified through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and grey literature. Data were extracted on MP abundance, size, morphology, polymer type, and exposure pathways across soils, sediments, water, crops, livestock feed, and food products. Mixed-methods synthesis integrated quantitative and qualitative findings. Results: Evidence is dominated by aquatic studies from Bahir Dar, Lake Tana, and Lake Hawassa, revealing high abundances of small-sized fragments and films (<0.5 mm), primarily polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Secondary MPs originate mainly from degraded consumer plastics and enter agrifood systems via runoff, sewage effluents, biosolids, and degraded agricultural materials. While MPs are detected in surface waters, sediments, and fish species (Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus), no peer-reviewed data exist for agricultural soils, crops, livestock products, or processed foods. Observed contamination suggests potential impacts on soil fertility, biodiversity, food safety, and human health through oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. Conclusion and Recommendations: MPs constitute an emerging but underexplored threat to Ethiopian agrifood systems. Addressing this requires integrated national monitoring under a One Health framework, standardized analytical protocols, strengthened laboratory and institutional capacity, enforcement of the National Plastic Waste Strategy, and interdisciplinary research. Coordinated action will safeguard ecosystem integrity, food security, and public health while guiding sustainable plastic management.
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