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Collaboration and infrastructure is needed to develop an African perspective on micro(nano)plastic pollution
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This perspective argues that understanding micro(nano)plastic pollution requires pan-African research networks and infrastructure, as current knowledge is dominated by studies from wealthier nations while low- and middle-income countries bear disproportionate impacts from mismanaged plastic waste.
Abstract Our current understanding of environmental micro(nano)plastic (MNP) pollution is driven by field and lab-based studies performed predominantly by and in wealthier countries. However, mismanaged waste and its consequences affect low- and middle-income countries over-proportionately. Evidence suggests that studies on MNP pollution in Africa are critically limited by the scientific infrastructure available, restricting research activities to opportunities for external collaboration with established research laboratories in the Global North. The development of Pan-African research networks and analytical nodes, is required to support intra-African research exchange and training, and drive evidence-based policy relevant to an African context. This can facilitate more inclusive conversations around the harmonization and standardization of methods currently mainly available to the Global North.
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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.