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Assessing Marine Litter Pollutionand Ecotourists Dynamics along Lagos Coastline Beaches: Sources, Composition, and Impacts
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This study assessed litter abundance, composition, and tourist population dynamics at six beaches along the Lagos coastline from November 2021 to February 2022, recording 12,968 litter items with plastic (29%) and styrofoam (22.25%) dominant. Significant spatial variations existed across beaches, with Oniru recording the second-highest litter occurrence (2,589 items), and Principal Component Analysis showing styrofoam and plastic significantly influencing litter composition, likely driven by poor waste management and coastal erosion.
A study assessing the environmental quality of six beaches along the Lagos coastline (Atican, Alpha, Elegushi, Narval, Oniru, and Takwa) was conducted from November 2021 to February 2022. The research focused on litter abundance, composition, and tourist population. A total of 12,968 litter items were recorded, revealing significant spatial and temporal variations in litter abundance. The average litter composition per 100 meters included: Plastic: 163.91 ± 20.66, Rubber: 57.00 ± 7.38, Styrofoam: 125.33 ± 26.03, Cloth: 22.83 ± 5.08, Glass/Ceramic: 44.75 ± 4.28, Metals: 67.16 ± 9.28, Paper: 33.66 ± 2.79, Wood: 23.41 ± 5.86, Fruits: 14.91 ± 5.01, and Nets: 10.16 ± 2.80. ANOVA analysis indicated significant differences in litter abundance among beaches, except for metals and paper, suggesting regular dumping by tourists or litter washed ashore by currents. The dominant litter types were plastic (29%), styrofoam (22.25%), metal (12%), and rubber (10%). Principal Component Analysis revealed that styrofoam and plastic significantly influenced litter composition across the beaches, likely due to poor waste management and coastal erosion. Elegushi Beach recorded the third-highest litter occurrence (1,769 items), followed by Oniru (2,589) and Narval (439). Cluster analysis grouped Narval, Oniru, and Elegushi, indicating similar litter sources and activities. The Shannon diversity indices ranged from 1.72 to 1.95, with Takwa having the highest and Oniru the lowest values. Narval Beach attracted 32.7% of total visitors and accounted for 33.2% of litter, making it the most frequented beach. The prevalence of plastic and styrofoam suggests these materials are commonly used by tourists and easily transported to the beach. To mitigate marine litter along the Lagos coastline, stakeholders should enhance waste management infrastructure and promote eco-friendly practices among tourists and local businesses.
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Assessment of Waste Generation and Management Strategies at Eleko and Elegushi Beaches, Lagos State, Nigeria
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Researchers studying two popular Lagos beaches found trash piles up most on weekends and holidays, with plastic and nylon waste making up a significant chunk of the litter alongside natural shells. The good news: cleanup efforts seemed to keep pace with visitor crowds, meaning waste didn't get dramatically worse even during busy periods, but the steady presence of plastic waste is a reminder that this trash can break down into microplastics that end up in seawater, seafood, and eventually our own bodies. The takeaway is that consistent beach cleanups and better public awareness about proper disposal can make a real difference in protecting
Ecological and Socio-Economic Assessment of Ecotourism-Driven Microplastics Pollution at Elegushi Beach, Lagos, Nigeria
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Researchers found that a popular beach in Lagos, Nigeria gets significantly more polluted with tiny plastic particles, toxic metals, and chemical contaminants during peak tourist season—microplastics in sand increased by over 40% in just three months. This matters because these plastic particles and chemicals (including phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption) can enter the food chain through fish and seafood, eventually ending up on our plates. The study is a reminder that beach tourism, while good for local economies, needs better waste management and regulation to keep both ecosystems and the people who rely on them healthy.
Abundance and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Touristic Beaches along the Atlantic Coast of Lagos, Nigeria
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Researchers measured microplastic abundance and ecological risk across five Atlantic-coast beaches in Lagos, Nigeria, finding concentrations of 1,278 to 5,688 particles per kilogram in sand, dominated by single-use polymer types, with risk assessments indicating pollution and toxicity at all sampling points.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Surface Sediments of Beaches in Lagos, Nigeria
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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.
Assessment and Characterization of Plastic Pollution in Two Coastal Sites in Lagos Nigeria: Implications for Environmental Management and Public Awareness.
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This study investigated plastic pollution in two coastal communities in Lagos, Nigeria—Makoko and Ilaje—finding that Makoko was dominated by polyamide (nylon, 48%) and Ilaje primarily by PET (62%), with over half of Makoko residents admitting to improper plastic disposal. The research highlights the need for improved waste management infrastructure, public education, and implementation of the Polluter Pays Principle to address coastal plastic pollution in rapidly urbanizing African cities.
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