We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Occurrence of Microplastics in Surface Sediments of Beaches in Lagos, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in beach sediments at all four sampled sites in Lagos State, Nigeria, with fragments dominating and polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene identified. The results provide baseline data for West Africa's most populous city and highlight the need for better waste management in rapidly urbanizing coastal regions.
This study investigated the occurrence and abundance of microplastics in surface sediments from five beaches in Lagos State, Nigeria. The beaches are Alpha, Oniru, Eleko and Lekki. Microplastics were taken from the sediments by floatation method. The number of microplastics in 50 g of dry sediment were counted with a photo microscope and results were as follows: Eleko (170 ± 21 items), Lekki (141 ± 36 items), Alpha (133 ± 16 items), and Oniru (121 ± 38 items). Fragments dominated among the microplastics found in the beaches while three polymers; polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This study serves as baseline for further investigations on the occurrence of microplastics in the Nigerian coastal environment.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Presence in Sediment and Water of a Lagoon Bordering the Urban Agglomeration of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first investigation of microplastic contamination in water and sediment of a Lagos, Nigeria lagoon. They found microplastic particles including fibers and fragments in both matrices, establishing baseline contamination data for this urban coastal water body.
Microplastics distribution and characterization in epipsammic sediments of tropical Atlantic Ocean, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
This baseline study documented microplastic abundance and distribution across three tidal zones at five beaches in Lagos, Nigeria, finding the particles in all sampled sediments with density flotation as the extraction method. The study provides the first regional data on microplastic pollution in Atlantic Gulf of Guinea beach sediments, highlighting the need for expanded monitoring in West Africa.
Characterization and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Sediments of a Tropical West African Lagoon Ecosystem
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in sediments from four sites along Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria, finding MP abundance of 9–12 particles/kg with PET fibers dominating, and identifying potentially toxic polymers that pose long-term ecological risks to this West African coastal ecosystem.
Microplastic Presence in Sediment and Water of a Lagoon Bordering the Urban Agglomeration of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated microplastic contamination in water and sediment from a lagoon bordering Lagos, Nigeria, finding plastics present at all sites. The study is the first of its kind in the area and raises concerns about how microplastic exposure affects aquatic organisms and the communities that depend on this water body for food and livelihoods.
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.
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.