Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Macrodebris and microplastics pollution in Nigeria: first report on abundance, distribution and composition

Researchers conducted the first assessment of macrodebris and microplastics in five rivers in southeastern Nigeria, finding plastics as the dominant macrodebris type at 59% and documenting small microplastic particles as small as 11 micrometers across all sites.

2019 Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology 96 citations
Article Tier 2

Assessment of fishes, sediment and water from some inland rivers across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria for microplastics

Researchers analyzed fish, sediment, and water samples from inland rivers in Nigeria for microplastic contamination, finding particles across all matrices sampled. The study provides baseline pollution data for a region with limited prior microplastic monitoring.

2024 Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology 5 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Environmental Health Engineering and Management 3 citations
Article Tier 2

Seasonal dynamics of micro- and nanoplastics and associated pollutants in Aarin River: Insights into abundance and digestion impact

Researchers measured micro- and nanoplastics in Nigeria's Aarin River across two seasons, finding higher particle counts during the rainy season (up to 130 particles per liter in water) alongside elevated levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals. The data highlight how seasonal rainfall flushes plastics and co-contaminants into West African freshwater systems that communities rely on, yet which remain severely understudied.

2024 Cleaner Water 2 citations
Review Tier 2

A Comprehensive Review on Microplastics Pollution in Nigerian Aquatic Environments

This comprehensive review examined microplastic pollution across Nigerian aquatic environments, including rivers, lagoons, estuaries, and sediments. Researchers found that microplastics are widespread in Nigerian waters due to poor waste management, wastewater discharges, and industrial activities, with contamination also detected in food and drinking water consumed by the population.

2026 International Journal of Applied and Natural Sciences
Article Tier 2

Characterization of Macro Litter and Microplastics Abundance in the Ogunpa River, Ibadan: Intimation for Solid Waste Management and Environmental Policy

Researchers characterized macro litter and microplastic abundance across five sites on the Ogunpa River in Ibadan, Nigeria during the wet season, finding high plastic contamination driven by inadequate waste management and recommending targeted environmental policy responses.

2025 International Journal of Environmental Protection and Policy
Article Tier 2

Microplastics Pollution in Nigerian Aquatic Ecosystems: Sources, Pathways, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies. A Review

This review synthesized evidence on microplastic contamination across Nigerian aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, lagoons, seafood, and drinking water. The authors describe complex pollution pathways and impacts on organisms across trophic levels, while highlighting the need for Nigeria-specific research and stronger waste management policies.

2025 American Journal of Environment and Climate
Article Tier 2

Presence and Abundance of Microplastics in Benthic Organisms from Some Niger Delta, Nigeria Coastal Rivers

Researchers investigated the presence and abundance of microplastics in benthic organisms collected from coastal rivers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, documenting contamination levels in organisms from these ecologically significant waterways.

2025 SPIRE - Sciences Po Institutional REpository
Article Tier 2

Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Surface Water and Sediments of Otammiri River, Imo State, Nigeria

Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in the surface water and sediments of Otammiri River, characterizing the abundance, morphology, polymer types, and spatial distribution of microplastics to evaluate contamination levels and ecological risks in this Nigerian freshwater system.

2024 Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Assessment of Determinant Sources of Plastics and Microplastics Pollution in Inland Waterways Navigation in Lower River Niger

Researchers assessed plastic and microplastic pollution in Nigerian inland waterways, providing a baseline evaluation of contamination sources from navigation activities and identifying hotspots along the lower Niger River.

2024 International journal of social science and research
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 12 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic Presence in Sediment and Water of a Lagoon Bordering the Urban Agglomeration of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria

This study investigated microplastic contamination in water and sediment from a lagoon bordering Lagos, Nigeria, finding plastics present at all sites. The study is the first of its kind in the area and raises concerns about how microplastic exposure affects aquatic organisms and the communities that depend on this water body for food and livelihoods.

2020 Geosciences 46 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics Pollution of Water, Sediment, and Selected Fish Species from Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Researchers sampled water, sediment, and multiple fish species from three communities in Sagbama, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, to characterize microplastic contamination across aquatic compartments. Microplastics were detected in all matrices, with fibers dominating, establishing baseline contamination data for this Niger Delta region where residents rely heavily on local fish for food.

2025 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

Microplastics Pollution of Water, Sediment, and Selected Fish Species from Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Researchers sampled water, sediment, and multiple fish species from three communities in Sagbama, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, to characterize microplastic contamination across aquatic compartments. Microplastics were detected in all matrices, with fibers dominating, establishing baseline contamination data for this Niger Delta region where residents rely heavily on local fish for food.

2025 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Systematic Review Tier 1

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.

2022 Scientific African 39 citations
Article Tier 2

Abundance, characterization, and health risk evaluation of microplastics in borehole water in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria

Researchers analyzed borehole water samples from multiple locations in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, and found microplastics present in all samples tested. The contamination included fibers and fragments of various polymer types, with concentrations varying by sampling location. The findings raise health concerns about groundwater quality in the region and suggest that microplastic contamination of drinking water sources may be more widespread than currently recognized in West Africa.

2024 Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology 8 citations
Article Tier 2

Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in water, sediment, and aquatic insects of the Owena River, Osun state, Nigeria

Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in water, sediment, and aquatic insects from the Owena River in Nigeria over a 12-month period. Microplastics were found across all sample types and river sections, with fibers and fragments being the most common forms. The study suggests that aquatic insects can serve as biological indicators of microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems.

2026 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Article Tier 2

The importance of microplastics pollution studies in water and soil of Nigeria ecosystems

This review highlights the lack of microplastic pollution research in Nigeria, despite the country's growing plastic production and consumption. The author calls for more local studies to generate data needed for science-based policy on plastic waste management in African ecosystems.

2019 Analytical Methods in Environmental Chemistry Journal 20 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2023 Environmental Science and Pollution Research 39 citations
Article Tier 2

Environmental Sustainability Implications of Microplastic Accumulation in Riverbank Vegetation of the Niger, Omambala, and Idemili Rivers

Researchers examined microplastic accumulation in riverbank vegetation along the Niger, Omambala, and Idemili Rivers, assessing the environmental sustainability implications of plastic contamination in freshwater plant communities.

2025 International Journal of Agriculture and Technology
Article Tier 2

Occurrence and Ecological Risk of Microplastics in the Upper Usuma River, Abuja, Nigeria

Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic pollution in the Upper Usuma River in Abuja, Nigeria, sampling both surface water and sediment. The study found widespread microplastic contamination that increased downstream, with fragments and films from single-use plastics being the dominant types. Ecological risk was generally low upstream but moderate downstream, reflecting growing pressure from human activities on this freshwater resource.

2026 Open Science Framework
Article Tier 2

Effects of urbanisation and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system

Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in sediments along a subtropical river system in southern Africa and examined how urbanization and wastewater treatment affect contamination levels. They found that microplastic densities were highest near urban areas and downstream of wastewater treatment plants. The study suggests that urban development and inadequate wastewater infrastructure are key drivers of freshwater microplastic pollution in the region.

2021 Environmental Science and Pollution Research 63 citations
Article Tier 2

Occurrence of Microplastics in Borehole Drinking Water and Sediments in Lagos, Nigeria

Researchers detected microplastics in borehole drinking water and sediments in Lagos, Nigeria, finding fibres and fragments in the majority of samples, indicating that groundwater sources used for drinking are contaminated with plastic particles and posing potential health risks to communities relying on borehole water.

2022 Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 29 citations
Article Tier 2

Characterization of Microplastics Residue in Water and Biota of Majidun Estuarines, Lagos Nigeria

Researchers characterized microplastics in surface water and commercially harvested aquatic species from the Majidun River estuary in Lagos, Nigeria, providing the first documented assessment of microplastic pollution in this location. Multiple polymer types were identified in both water and biota samples.

2024 University of Zambia Journal of Agricultural and Biomedical Sciences