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Papers
48 resultsShowing papers from University of Lagos
ClearTowards a Reduced Pollution Society: Systematic Review on the Role of Storytelling, Social Media, Humor and Celebrities’ Influence for Research Communication
This systematic review explores how storytelling, humor, and celebrity influence can help communicate the dangers of pollution, including microplastics, to the public. The study found that these creative communication strategies can effectively raise awareness and motivate people to change behaviors that contribute to environmental and health problems.
Microplastics in agricultural soils: sources, impacts on soil organisms, plants, and humans
This review examines how microplastics get into farm soils from sources like plastic mulching, wastewater, and fertilizers, and how they affect soil organisms, plant growth, and ultimately human health. The research shows microplastics can damage crop roots, harm earthworms and soil life, and when they enter the food chain, may cause liver damage, inflammation, and immune system problems in people.
Interaction of chemical contaminants with microplastics: Principles and perspectives
This review examines how microplastics interact with chemical contaminants in the environment, acting as carriers that can transport pollutants through aquatic food webs. Researchers describe how polymer structure, weathering, and crystallinity influence a microplastic's ability to absorb and release environmental pollutants. The study notes that most research has relied on pristine laboratory plastics rather than field samples, creating a gap in our understanding of real-world contamination dynamics.
Top 10 public health challenges to track in 2023: Shifting focus beyond a global pandemic
This article identifies the top 10 global public health challenges for 2023, including climate change, infectious disease preparedness, and environmental pollution. Microplastic contamination is highlighted as part of the broader environmental health threat that demands coordinated international attention. The authors argue that shifting focus beyond pandemic response is essential to address the interconnected health challenges facing the world.
Why Nigeria should ban single-use plastics: Excessive microplastic pollution of the water, sediments and fish species in Osun River, Nigeria
Researchers found extremely high microplastic contamination in Nigeria's Osun River, with up to 22,079 particles per liter of water, the highest level reported globally for any river. Fish from the river contained 407 to 1,692 microplastic particles each, well above levels found in fish from Asia and Europe. Since communities use this river for drinking water and the fish for food, the findings highlight a serious and direct health risk from uncontrolled single-use plastic disposal.
A review on the fate and effects of contaminants in biosolids applied on land: Hazards and government regulatory policies
This review examines the contaminants, including microplastics and persistent organic pollutants, that remain in treated sewage sludge (biosolids) when it is applied to farmland as fertilizer. These pollutants can accumulate in soil and potentially enter crops and groundwater, creating exposure pathways to humans. The authors argue that current government regulations on biosolid use, particularly in the US, are outdated and need updating to address emerging contaminants like microplastics.
Smart Bin and IoT: A Sustainable Future for Waste Management System in Nigeria
Researchers proposed a smart waste bin system using Internet of Things technology to improve waste management in Nigerian cities. The system uses sensors and Wi-Fi connectivity to monitor bin fill levels remotely, enabling more efficient waste collection routes. The study highlights how affordable IoT-based solutions could help developing nations reduce plastic waste accumulation and environmental pollution.
Microplastics and associated organic pollutants in beach sediments from the Gulf of Guinea (SE Atlantic) coastal ecosystems
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination and associated organic pollutants in beach sediments from marine and estuarine lagoon ecosystems in the Gulf of Guinea. The study analyzed over 3,600 microplastic particles for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other organic contaminants. The findings indicate that microplastics in coastal sediments can carry significant concentrations of sorbed pollutants, with differences between marine and estuarine environments.
Nanoplastics as emerging cardiovascular hazards: a narrative review of current evidence
This review examines the emerging evidence that nanoplastics may pose risks to cardiovascular health. Researchers summarized studies showing that nanoplastics can enter the bloodstream through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact, potentially causing inflammation and oxidative damage to blood vessels and heart tissue. The study suggests that nanoplastic exposure represents an understudied but potentially significant environmental risk factor for heart and vascular problems.
Occurrence and distribution of micro(meso)plastic-sorbed heavy metals and metalloids in sediments, Gulf of Guinea coast (SE Atlantic)
Researchers analyzed the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals and metalloids associated with micro- and mesoplastics in sediments along the Gulf of Guinea coast in Nigeria. The study found that beach microplastics were dominated by polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, and carried a range of potentially toxic metals, providing baseline data for ecological risk assessment.
Radioactivity distributions and biohazard assessment of coastal marine environments of niger-delta, Nigeria
Researchers assessed radioactivity and pollution levels in the coastal marine environment of Nigeria's Niger Delta. They found that radionuclide concentrations in sediments and water exceeded recommended safety limits, with certain fish species accumulating higher levels of radioactive elements. The study recommends continuous monitoring of these polluted coastal waters to protect both ecological and human health.
Plastic pollution in the environment in Nigeria: A rapid systematic review of the sources, distribution, research gaps and policy needs
Researchers conducted a systematic review of plastic pollution research in Nigeria and found critical data gaps — covering only 15 of 36 states — with microplastics detected in fish, insects, and water, highlighting the need for stronger policies, better monitoring, and expanded research to address the growing plastic crisis in West Africa.
Concentration, characterization, and risk assessment of microplastics in two main rivers in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in two major rivers in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, that serve as sources for drinking water, fishing, and farming. Significant concentrations of microplastics were detected in both rivers, predominantly fibers and fragments composed of polyamide and polyethylene, with pollution load indices exceeding safe thresholds and indicating moderate to high ecological risk.
Deepfake Regulations and Their Impact on Content Creation in the Entertainment Industry
This study compares deepfake technology regulations across the United States, European Union, and China and their impact on the entertainment industry. Researchers found that U.S. and EU regulations prioritize transparency and individual rights, while China takes a state-centered approach focused on social stability. The findings are not directly related to microplastics research but reflect broader trends in technology governance.
Microplastic pollution from cement production: Health risks in tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivated around the sokoto cement plant
Researchers evaluated microplastic contamination in tomatoes grown near a cement factory in Sokoto, Nigeria, finding concentrations ranging from 120 to 730 particles per gram of fruit. Fibers were the dominant type, and FTIR analysis identified polyethylene, PVC, polypropylene, and PET as the main polymers present. The study suggests that cement production facilities may be a significant but overlooked source of microplastic pollution affecting nearby agricultural products.
Combined cerium and zinc oxide nanoparticles induced hepato-renal damage in rats through oxidative stress mediated inflammation
Researchers found that combined cerium and zinc oxide nanoparticles induced liver and kidney damage in rats through oxidative stress-mediated inflammation, demonstrating that co-exposure to multiple nanoparticles can produce synergistic toxic effects.
Pro-environmental behavior regarding single-use plastics reduction in urban–rural communities of Thailand: Implication for public policy
Researchers surveyed urban and rural residents in Thailand to understand what drives people to reduce single-use plastic use, finding that moral values better explained behavior in city residents while practical reasoning was more influential in rural communities. The findings suggest that plastic reduction policies should be tailored to community context, emphasizing ethics in cities and rational incentives in rural areas.
PUBLIC AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION ON MICROPLASTICS POLLUTION AROUND LAGOS LAGOON
Researchers surveyed public awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding microplastic pollution around Lagos Lagoon in Nigeria, finding significant gaps in understanding among residents, students, and fishermen about microplastic health and ecological risks.
Characterization and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Sediments of a Tropical West African Lagoon Ecosystem
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.
“Microplastics and Polymers in Construction Materials: Sources, Fate, and Structural/Environmental Impacts”
This review synthesizes evidence that construction practices generate microplastic particles from polymer additives and recycled plastics during manufacturing, placement, and demolition, presents a sampling framework for detecting construction-derived microplastics, and compares identification methods for characterizing these particles.
Public Health Knowledge and Perception of Microplastics Pollution: Lessons from the Lagos Lagoon
A survey of public knowledge and perceptions about microplastic pollution in Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria found widespread awareness of plastic pollution but limited understanding of microplastics specifically, highlighting the need for targeted public health education.
PFAS: Ecological Implications, Remedial Actions and Ethical Considerations
This review covers the ecological implications of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), their extreme environmental persistence due to the strength of the C-F bond, and current remediation strategies including thermal and chemical approaches. The authors also address ethical dimensions of PFAS production and regulation given their known toxicity.
The Plastic treaty: What is in it for Africa?
The proposed global plastic treaty represents a potential instrument for African nations to address the continent's significant challenges with plastic pollution, food security, and economic development, particularly given the region's high policy enactment but poor implementation of waste management approaches.
Advancing a Cleaner Society: Exploring the Impact of Storytelling, Social Media, Humor, and Celebrity Influence in Research Communication for Pollution
This paper explored how storytelling, social media, humor, and celebrity involvement can be used to more effectively communicate environmental pollution threats such as microplastics and biodiversity loss to the public. The review argues that creative and culturally resonant communication strategies are essential for driving behavioral change toward a cleaner society.