We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Macrodebris and microplastics pollution in Nigeria: first report on abundance, distribution and composition
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first assessment of macrodebris and microplastics in five rivers in southeastern Nigeria, finding plastics as the dominant macrodebris type at 59% and documenting small microplastic particles as small as 11 micrometers across all sites.
The abundance, distribution and composition of marine debris ( > 5 cm) and small microplastics (11 μm) from five rivers in South Eastern Nigeria was investigated. This study provided the first assessment of the type and quantity of marine litter and microplastics in Nigeria. A total of 3,487 macrodebris items/m2 were counted with the following distribution: plastics (59%), metal (10%), cloth (7%), paper/cardboard (7%), rubber (7%), glass/ceramics (5%), medical and agro-based waste (3%), and wood (2%). The cleanliness of the river assessed with clean coast index ranged from "very clean" to "extremely dirty". Microplastics abundance ranged from 440 to 1,556 particles/L, with high accumulation at downstream. Fragment shape was most abundant while fiber and film followed. The distribution of plastic types was PET (29%), PE (22%), PVC (16%), PP (14%), and others (6%). Significant relationship was found between the total abundances of microplastics and different macrodebris groups suggesting that microplastics were abundant in areas where the macrodebris abundance was high. Our results provide baseline information for future assessments. Management actions should focus on input prevention including proper waste management, recycling of plastics, and strict penalties for illegal dumping of wastes.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic particles in river sediments and water of southwestern Nigeria: insights on the occurrence, seasonal distribution, composition, and source apportionment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in river water and sediments across southwestern Nigeria, providing some of the first baseline data for the region. They found microplastics at every sampling site, with fibers and fragments being the most common forms, and concentrations varying by season and location. The study points to urban runoff, agricultural activities, and inadequate waste management as the primary sources of this pollution.
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.
Characterization of Macro Litter and Microplastics Abundance in the Ogunpa River, Ibadan: Intimation for Solid Waste Management and Environmental Policy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized macro litter and microplastic abundance across five sites on the Ogunpa River in Ibadan, Nigeria during the wet season, finding high plastic contamination driven by inadequate waste management and recommending targeted environmental policy responses.
Assessment of fishes, sediment and water from some inland rivers across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria for microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed fish, sediment, and water samples from inland rivers in Nigeria for microplastic contamination, finding particles across all matrices sampled. The study provides baseline pollution data for a region with limited prior microplastic monitoring.
Presence and Abundance of Microplastics in Benthic Organisms from Some Niger Delta, Nigeria Coastal Rivers
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the presence and abundance of microplastics in benthic organisms collected from coastal rivers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, documenting contamination levels in organisms from these ecologically significant waterways.
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.