Fuzzy Based Spatial Risk Evaluation of Plastic Pollution: A Case Study of Anambra State of Nigeria

Abstract Natural systems, human health, and artistic sensitivities are all threatened by plastic pollution in most developed and developing countries. Plastic has emerged as a major global threat with rivers serving as sink for transported plastics, emanating from the terrestrial environment as a result of human activities. Anambra State in Nigeria is arguably the business hub of the South-eastern part of Nigeria, with a massive output of plastic wastes daily from individuals, commercial activities and industries. Owing to an inefficient waste management system, plastic leakage into her drainage networks is a critical environmental challenge. The aim of this study is to geospatially model the vulnerability associated with the various plastic leakage factors to the environment. To achieve this aim, data on different thematic variables which include plastic waste density, slope, land-use, drainage density and distance to drainage network of the study area were modelled, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was used to delineate the variables in order to obtain final risk map for the study area. The result of the study indicates that a total area very high risk is 1840.03 km 2 , this constitutes about 40.11% of the study area. Local Governments Areas (LGA) located in the southern part of the study area is more susceptible to plastic waste leakage, this could be linked to factors like high dense population and increasing rate of urbanization in the region. It is recommended that waste collection should be frequent, strategic and higher priority should be attached to the high risked area from this study. Anambra State Government also needs to work together with plastic recycling companies, for effective collection of plastic wastes in the areas classified as hotspots in plastic litter accumulation as one of the mitigation measures.