Papers

Occurrence and Assessment of Human Exposure to Microplastic Particles in Bottled Water From Southwest, Nigeria

Researchers tested eight brands of bottled water from southwest Nigeria and found microplastics in all of them, averaging about 15 particles per liter, mostly in the form of fibers. Children were estimated to consume three to four times more microplastics per kilogram of body weight than adults from bottled water. The study adds to growing evidence that bottled water is a significant source of human microplastic exposure, especially for children.

From source to distribution channel: A baseline study of microplastic occurrence in drinking water in Ogun State, Nigeria

Researchers measured microplastics in the drinking water system of Ogun State, Nigeria, from raw water through treatment to tap water, finding 10-16 particles per liter at every stage. Treatment plants removed about 40% of microplastics, but levels actually increased again in tap water, likely from contamination in the distribution pipes. Children were estimated to consume more microplastics per body weight than adults, highlighting the need for better water treatment in developing countries.

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.

Polyethylene microplastics disrupt renal function, mitochondrial bioenergetics, redox homeostasis, and histoarchitecture in Wistar rats

Researchers gave rats polyethylene microplastics orally for 28 days and found dose-dependent kidney damage, including impaired filtration, electrolyte imbalances, and tissue inflammation. The microplastics depleted antioxidant defenses, increased oxidative stress markers, and disrupted mitochondrial energy production in kidney cells, identifying the kidneys as a critical target of microplastic toxicity.

Occurrence of Microplastics in Drinking Water in South East Asia: A Short Review

This review examines the levels and sources of microplastics found in drinking water across Southeast Asia, a region home to many of the world's most plastic-polluted rivers. Researchers found microplastics present in tap water, bottled water, and treated water throughout the region, with potential health concerns including inflammation and cellular damage from long-term ingestion. The study highlights the urgent need for improved water treatment methods and stronger regulatory frameworks to address microplastic contamination in drinking water supplies.

Environmental Pollutants and Oxidative Stress in Terrestrial and Aquatic Organisms: Examination of the Total Picture and Implications for Human Health

This comprehensive review examines how various environmental pollutants, including microplastics, toxic metals, and pesticides, induce oxidative stress in both terrestrial and aquatic organisms. The study highlights the interconnected pathways through which pollution-driven oxidative damage in wildlife may carry implications for understanding broader environmental health risks.

Assessment of Microplastics and Potentially Toxic Elements in Surface Sediments of the River Kelvin, Central Scotland, United Kingdom

Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in sediments along Scotland's River Kelvin and found that abundance increased significantly from upstream to downstream locations, with fibres being the most common particle type. They also detected elevated levels of potentially toxic metals like chromium, copper, and zinc at several sites. The study suggests that urban and industrial activity along the river contributes to co-contamination by both microplastics and heavy metals in freshwater sediments.

Investigation of microplastics and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in sediments of two rivers in Southwestern Nigeria

Researchers investigated microplastic and toxic element contamination in sediments of two rivers in southwestern Nigeria. They found microplastic abundances ranging from 67 to 433 particles per kilogram, with polyethylene being the most common polymer type, along with elevated levels of chromium and lead. The study highlights how indiscriminate waste dumping is contaminating Nigerian river ecosystems and calls for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.

Microplastic Ingestion in Aquatic Animals in South East Asia

This review examined microplastic ingestion by aquatic animals across Southeast Asia, documenting widespread contamination from environmental breakdown and waste imports, and surveyed physical, chemical, and biological remediation technologies for reducing microplastic concentrations in water.

A study of the microplastic contamination of commercial table salts: A case study in Nigeria

Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in eight commercial table salt brands sold in southwest Nigeria, detecting MPs in all samples with concentrations ranging from 4.0 to 13.8 particles per kilogram, predominantly fibers and fragments of polyethylene and polypropylene.

Occurrence, source apportionment, and ecological risk assessment of organophosphate esters in surface sediment from the Ogun and Osun Rivers, Southwest Nigeria

Researchers measured concentrations of organophosphate esters, chemicals used as flame retardants and plasticizers, in sediments from two major rivers in southwest Nigeria. The study found concentrations ranging up to 2110 ng/g in the Ogun River and 589 ng/g in the Osun River, with ecological risk assessments indicating potential concern for aquatic organisms in these environments.

Investigating the protective effects of epigallocatechin-gallate against polystyrene microplastics-induced biochemical and hematological alterations in rats

This study investigated whether epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) -- a green tea antioxidant -- could protect rats from biochemical and hematological damage caused by polystyrene microplastic ingestion. EGCG supplementation partially mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory markers elevated by polystyrene microplastic exposure, suggesting a potential dietary protective strategy.

Soil pollution and climate change

Occurrence, source apportionment, and ecological risk assessment of organophosphate esters in surface sediment from the Ogun and Osun Rivers, Southwest Nigeria

This study is not directly about microplastics; it measures organophosphate ester flame retardants in river sediments from two Nigerian rivers, finding that some chlorinated variants pose high ecological risk to aquatic organisms. Organophosphate esters are chemical additives used in plastics and electronics, making this relevant to the broader context of plastic-associated chemical pollution.

Abundance and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Touristic Beaches along the Atlantic Coast of Lagos, Nigeria

Therapeutic Role of Leaf Pulp of Carpobrotus edulis on Chromium VI Induced Toxicity in Wistar Rats

This study tested whether a leaf extract from Carpobrotus edulis (a succulent plant) could protect rats from toxicity caused by hexavalent chromium, a heavy metal contaminant. The extract showed protective effects against chromium-induced organ damage. This paper focuses on herbal remedies for heavy metal toxicity rather than microplastics.

Respiratory Symptoms and Spirometry Profile of Plastic Factory Workers in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria

This study found significantly higher rates of respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function among plastic factory workers in Nigeria compared to a control group, with effects worsening with longer employment duration. Occupational exposure to plastic fumes and dust during manufacturing poses real risks to workers' respiratory health.

The Dimensional Effect of Optimal Project Risk Management Practices on Project Quality of Selected Construction Companies in Nigeria

This study examined how effective risk management practices in construction projects influence project quality, finding that addressing risk dimensions systematically improves outcomes across cost, time, and quality parameters. The research is focused on construction project management rather than environmental contamination.