Papers

Microplastics: A threat to Fetoplacental unit and Reproductive systems

This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may harm the placenta and reproductive system, particularly during pregnancy. The authors highlight that these tiny plastic particles have been found in placental tissue and may interfere with fetal development, though they note that much more research is needed to understand the full risks to mothers and babies.

From oceans to dinner plates: The impact of microplastics on human health

This review summarizes how microplastics travel from the environment to the human body through food, air, and skin contact. Ingesting microplastics has been linked to gut problems and hormone disruption, while inhaling airborne microplastics may affect the lungs and heart. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened microplastic pollution due to increased use of disposable masks and other plastic products.

Nanoparticles for targeted removal of emerging contaminants in wastewater: mechanisms and sustainable practices

This study investigates the use of biologically produced nanoparticles, such as silver and titanium dioxide particles made from plant extracts, for removing pollutants including microplastics from wastewater. The green-synthesized nanoparticles showed promising antibacterial and pollutant-degrading abilities, though challenges remain in scaling up production. Better wastewater treatment methods like these could help reduce the amount of microplastics and other harmful contaminants that reach drinking water sources.

Potentially toxic metals in irrigation water, soil, and vegetables and their health risks using Monte Carlo models

Researchers measured toxic metals including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead in irrigation water, soil, and vegetables in Nigeria, finding levels that exceeded safety guidelines in all cases. The toxic metals accumulated in commonly eaten vegetables like spinach and cabbage, posing cancer and non-cancer health risks to adults and children. While focused on heavy metals, this research is relevant to microplastics because microplastics in agricultural soil can absorb and transport these same toxic metals into crops.

Genotoxicity and Genomic Instability Induced by Micro- and Nanoplastics: A Comprehensive Multi-Taxa Mechanistic Review.

This review of existing research found that tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) can damage DNA in many different living things, from fish to human cells. The plastic particles cause this damage by creating harmful molecules called free radicals, disrupting the body's ability to repair DNA, and triggering inflammation. These findings suggest that the growing amount of plastic pollution in our environment could pose serious health risks to humans and wildlife.

Insights into hazardous solid waste generation during COVID-19 pandemic and sustainable management approaches for developing countries

Researchers reviewed hazardous solid waste generated by COVID-19 personal protective equipment, noting that SARS-CoV-2 persistence on plastic and other surfaces makes improper disposal a transmission risk, and proposed measures including biodegradable PPE materials and strategic pre-planning for waste management in low- and middle-income countries.

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.

Microplastic as a Pathogenic Vector to Cause Diseases in Marine Biota

Toxicity of Microplastics on the Flora and Fauna of the Freshwater Ecosystem: An Overview

Water Fights Back in Lagos: A Performance Reading of Aqua-Terrestrial Futures in Ojo Bakare’s “Ekun Omi”

This literary analysis examines Ojo Bakare's play about Lagos, Nigeria, through the lens of ecocriticism and the blue humanities, exploring water as both a victim of and agent responding to urbanization and ecological degradation. The work addresses themes of flooding, climate change, overpopulation, and the marginalization of Indigenous knowledge in relation to the city's aquatic systems. The study highlights how African theater can engage audiences in collective responsibility for environmental futures.

Prospects and challenges of utilizing sugarcane bagasse as a bio-coagulant precursor for water treatment

This review examined the potential of sugarcane bagasse as an eco-friendly and cost-effective bio-coagulant precursor for water treatment, assessing its chemical properties, bioactive compounds, and the challenges that must be addressed for practical implementation.

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.

Evaluation of cytogenotoxic potential and embryotoxicity of KRS-Cauvery River water in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Researchers examined the toxicity of polluted Cauvery River water on zebrafish, finding cytogenotoxic effects and embryo deformities linked to heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics present in contaminated water samples.

Primary Microplastic: Source, Uses, Transportation from Land to Marine Environment

Synthesis and characterization of micro-sized polyisobutylene and evaluation of its toxicological effects on the development and homeostasis of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Researchers synthesized micro-sized polyisobutylene particles in the laboratory and evaluated their toxic effects on zebrafish development and tissue homeostasis. They found that exposure to these microplastics caused accumulation in tissues and measurable developmental impacts in the zebrafish model. The study highlights that even less commonly studied hydrocarbon polymers can pose biological risks when they break down into microplastic-sized particles.

Urban stormwater pollutant dynamics, SuDS performance, and public health risks under intensifying extremes

This review of existing research found that when heavy rainstorms hit cities, they wash dangerous pollutants like germs, metals, and particles into waterways within just the first few minutes. These pollution spikes can make people sick through contaminated water, and green infrastructure like rain gardens helps reduce the problem but works less well during extreme storms or when not properly maintained. The findings suggest cities need better monitoring and maintenance systems to protect public health as climate change brings more intense rainfall.

Effect of dietary cinnamon supplementation on the growth in length, haematology, serum biochemistry, intestinal microbiota and enzymes and histomorphological changes of the intestine, liver and the kidney of Heteroclarias (Clarias gariepinus ♀ × Heterobra ♂)

Dietary cinnamon supplementation at 1-2% significantly improved growth, blood parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, and intestinal health in juvenile catfish over a 56-day trial. The spice enhanced beneficial gut microbiota while reducing pathogenic bacteria, suggesting cinnamon as a natural feed additive for aquaculture.

Plant Based Application for Microplastic Removal in Constructed Wetlands: A Mini Review

This mini-review examines how wetland plants in constructed wetlands capture and degrade microplastics through physical entrapment, root-zone interactions, and microbial activity, assessing operational factors that determine removal efficiency.

Thermochemical recycling of waste disposable facemasks in a non-electrically powered system

A biomass-powered reactor was used to co-pyrolyze waste disposable facemasks with almond leaves, producing 46% biochar yield, higher than electrically powered reactors, providing a low-cost and electricity-independent approach to thermochemical recycling of mask waste.

Environmental pollution and their socioeconomic impacts

Influence of Plastic Waste Management on the Environment: A review

This review examined how different plastic waste management practices influence environmental outcomes, discussing the limitations of landfilling, incineration, and recycling for fossil-based plastics that persist in the environment for hundreds of years. The paper argued that transitioning to a circular economy is essential to reduce the environmental burden of plastic waste.

Induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage in two common fish species of rivers and reservoirs in Ilorin, Northcentral, Nigeria

Researchers assessed oxidative stress and genotoxicity in two fish species from rivers and reservoirs in Ilorin, Nigeria, finding elevated antioxidant enzymes, micronuclei, nuclear abnormalities, and DNA strand breaks in fish from two rivers with low dissolved oxygen and elevated lead concentrations. The findings indicate cytogenotoxic conditions driven by hypoxia and heavy metal contamination in those water bodies.

Assessment of plastic waste generation and management in residential locations, Ilorin, Nigeria: DPSIR analysis and circular economy pathway

Mechanical and chemical characterization of biochar-reinforced polystyrene composites

Researchers created composite materials by mixing polystyrene resin with varying amounts of biochar derived from plantain peels, and found that a 30% biochar loading produced the hardest material, while higher amounts caused the surface to become rough and irregular. These results show that agricultural waste-derived biochar can be used to tune the mechanical properties of polystyrene, offering a potential route to more sustainable plastic composites.