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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics in African freshwater sediments: A systematic review of characteristics, abundance and analytical methods
ClearMicroplastic pollution in African countries’ water systems: a review on findings, applied methods, characteristics, impacts, and managements
This review synthesizes findings on microplastic pollution in water systems across African countries, highlighting methodological approaches, particle characteristics, sources, and impacts, while noting the limited but growing body of African microplastic research.
Microplastic pollution in Africa: an overview of abundance in aquatic organisms, freshwater and marine water environments and analytical methods for reporting
This review provides an overview of microplastic pollution across Africa, covering contamination levels in aquatic organisms, freshwater and marine environments, and the analytical methods used in studies across the continent. Researchers found that microplastic pollution is widespread in African waters, though standardized detection and reporting methods are needed to enable better cross-study comparisons.
Microplastic assessment approaches for African freshwater biota: a review
This review assessed the state of microplastic research on African freshwater organisms, evaluating the methodological approaches used across published studies and identifying regional gaps. The authors found that African freshwater biota are understudied relative to the continent's high plastic pollution burden, and identified inconsistent sampling and analytical methods as major barriers to cross-study comparisons.
A review of the ecotoxicological status of microplastic pollution in African freshwater systems
This review summarizes existing research on microplastic pollution in African rivers and lakes, finding contamination in water, sediments, and fish across the continent. Fibers and fragments were the most common shapes, and the study notes that microplastics can enter body cells and cause genetic mutations, oxidative stress, and nerve damage -- a concern given that Africa's freshwater microplastic monitoring and drinking water research remain limited.
Quantifying Plastic Waste and Microplastic Contamination in African Aquatic Systems: An Imperative for Sustainable Waste Management
This review assessed the scale of plastic waste and microplastic contamination in African aquatic systems, finding that inadequate waste management infrastructure amplifies plastic pollution in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters across the continent.
Microplastics in aquatic ecosystems of Africa: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis integrating data from 75 studies found that African aquatic ecosystems are highly contaminated with microplastics compared to global averages, with fibers and fragments being the most prevalent shapes. Sampling methods significantly affect reported abundance, and the environmental risk assessment revealed that polyethylene and polypropylene are the dominant polymer types across African rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Ecological consequences of microplastic pollution in sub-Saharan Africa aquatic ecosystems: An implication to environmental health
This review examines the ecological consequences of microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems across sub-Saharan Africa, where research on the topic remains limited. Researchers summarized evidence that microplastics have been found in water, sediment, and aquatic organisms throughout the region, with potential effects on food chains and human health. The study highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive monitoring and policy responses in African countries.
Microplastics in African ecosystems: Current knowledge, abundance, associated contaminants, techniques, and research needs
This review synthesized current knowledge on microplastic abundance, associated contaminants, and ecological effects in African ecosystems, a region that ranks among the highest in mismanaged plastic waste. Despite the scale of the problem, the review found insufficient environmental monitoring data from Africa, calling for continent-specific research to support accurate global risk assessments.
Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments in Africa: status and research opportunities
This review examines the status of microplastic pollution research in African aquatic environments, noting that Africa's high rate of plastic waste mismanagement has resulted in widespread contamination of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Researchers found significant research gaps in the region despite its outsized contribution to global plastic pollution, and identified opportunities for expanded monitoring given microplastics' capacity to adsorb persistent organic pollutants.
Emergence of microplastics in African environmental drinking water sources: A review on sources, analysis and treatment strategies
This review examines microplastic contamination of drinking water sources across Africa, identifying entry pathways linked to uncontrolled plastic imports, poor waste management, and limited water treatment infrastructure. The authors highlight the need for more African-specific research on microplastic fate in water systems and call for improved treatment strategies appropriate for resource-limited settings.
Evaluating the Risk of Microplastic Contamination of Water Resources: Case of Mfoundi Subbasin-Cameroon
Researchers evaluated microplastic contamination risks to water resources in the Mfoundi subbasin of Cameroon, investigating distribution and potential impacts on this urban water catchment. The study contributes to understanding of microplastic pollution dynamics in sub-Saharan African freshwater systems.
Microplastics in Inland African Waters: Presence, Sources, and Fate
Researchers reviewed what is known about microplastic pollution in Africa's inland waters, including the massive Great Lakes system and major rivers like the Congo and Nile, and found a striking lack of research data. The limited studies available, including one from Lake Victoria, confirm microplastics are present in fish guts, underscoring the urgent need for expanded monitoring across this understudied region.
Assessing microplastic abundances in freshwater fishes in a subtropical African reservoir
Scientists examined freshwater fish from a reservoir in South Africa and found microplastics in nearly 87% of the fish across eight species. Fibers were the most common type of microplastic, found in both the gills and digestive tracts of the fish. Since these fish are consumed by local communities, the widespread contamination raises concerns about human exposure to microplastics through freshwater fish, an understudied area compared to marine seafood.
Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review of the emerging threats, identification of knowledge gaps and prioritisation of research needs
This review synthesizes the growing body of research on microplastic contamination in freshwater rivers, lakes, and sediments, which has received far less attention than marine environments. Researchers found that freshwater microplastic concentrations can rival or exceed those reported in ocean studies, particularly near urban and industrial areas. The study identifies critical knowledge gaps including the lack of standardized sampling methods and limited understanding of how microplastics affect freshwater organisms and ecosystems.
Microplastics pollution in freshwater sediments: The pollution status assessment and sustainable management measures
This study assessed microplastic pollution levels in freshwater sediments across 84 study areas worldwide. Researchers found widespread contamination with significant variation in microplastic types, concentrations, and sources depending on the region and local land use. The review proposes sustainable management measures to address this growing threat to freshwater ecosystems and drinking water supplies.
Microplastics prevalence in water, sediment and two economically important species of fish in an urban riverine system in Ghana
Microplastics were detected in water, sediment, and two commercially important fish species from an urban river system in Ghana, with fiber being the dominant type across all matrices. The study represents one of the first assessments of freshwater microplastic contamination in West Africa and highlights urban river systems as major pathways for plastic transport.
Microplastics in Freshwater Environments and Implications for Aquatic Ecosystems: A Mini Review and Future Directions in Ghana
This mini-review summarized the state of microplastic research in Ghana's freshwater systems, finding a significant research gap despite growing concern about aquatic ecosystem impacts. Freshwater microplastic research in sub-Saharan Africa lags behind marine studies, leaving local ecosystems and communities underprotected.
Microplastics in freshwater sediment: A review on methods, occurrence, and sources
This review synthesizes methods, occurrence data, and sources of microplastics in freshwater sediments, comparing approaches and providing recommendations for standardized sampling and analysis to fill knowledge gaps relative to marine research.
Microplastic abundance, distribution, and diversity in water and sediments along a subtropical river system
Researchers investigated microplastic abundance in water and sediments along a subtropical river system in South Africa, finding widespread contamination with fibers as the dominant shape and polyethylene as the most common polymer type.
Microplastic particles in river sediments and water of southwestern Nigeria: insights on the occurrence, seasonal distribution, composition, and source apportionment
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in river water and sediments across southwestern Nigeria, providing some of the first baseline data for the region. They found microplastics at every sampling site, with fibers and fragments being the most common forms, and concentrations varying by season and location. The study points to urban runoff, agricultural activities, and inadequate waste management as the primary sources of this pollution.
An overview of the prevalence of micro- and nanoplastics in the Southern African development community: a potential risk to environmental and public health
This systematic review examined micro- and nanoplastic pollution across Southern Africa's freshwater systems. Rivers, lakes, and wetlands that communities depend on for drinking water and food production were found to be contaminated. Rapid urbanization and poor waste management are driving the problem, raising concerns about public health in the region.
Assessment of microplastics in water and sediment from Megech river, major tributary to Lake Tana
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in the Megech River in Ethiopia, finding an average of 0.55 microplastic particles per liter in surface water and 19.39 particles per kilogram in sediment, with higher concentrations near urban areas. This baseline study highlights how growing plastic use in developing nations is reaching even freshwater systems in East Africa.
Microplastic Contamination, an Emerging Threat to the Freshwater Environment and Human Health: A Systematic Review
This systematic review summarizes existing research on microplastic contamination in freshwater environments and its implications for human health. The evidence shows that microplastics are widespread in rivers, lakes, and drinking water sources, and they can absorb toxic chemicals, making freshwater plastic pollution a direct concern for the safety of our water supply.
Microplastic contamination, an emerging threat to the freshwater environment: a systematic review
Researchers systematically reviewed the spread of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems — rivers, lakes, and streams — documenting their sources, how they move through water, the damage they cause to aquatic organisms, and the methods used to detect them. Their review serves as a baseline reference for future research and calls for improved waste management to protect freshwater environments from ongoing microplastic contamination.