A new study has revealed widespread microplastic contamination in Nigeria’s inland rivers, marking the first comprehensive assessment of its kind.
The research, led by environmental toxicologist Dr. Aneyo Idowu Ayisat, uncovered the presence of microplastics (MPs) in water, sediment, and fish samples from rivers spanning Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The findings have raised significant concerns about the environmental and health implications of plastic pollution in one of Africa’s most populous nations.
The study, which focused on Rivers Yauri, Benue, Argungu, Jamare, Ogun, Ethiope, and Orashi, utilized advanced techniques to isolate and analyze microplastics.
Filtration, density separation, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to determine the abundance, distribution, and chemical composition of MPs in the samples.
The results showed that MPs were present in all the rivers studied, highlighting the pervasive nature of this form of pollution in Nigeria’s freshwater ecosystems.
Fish samples collected from the rivers revealed high levels of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE).
In water samples, predominant plastics included PE/PA/Nylon, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), while sediment samples contained significant levels of PA/Nylon, polyurethane (PUR), PVC, and PET.
Fibers were identified as the most common shape in both fish and water samples, further illustrating the complexity of the contamination.
Through statistical analysis, including Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, the study linked the presence of MPs to local anthropogenic activities.
Poor waste management practices, industrial effluents, and urban runoff were identified as major contributors to the contamination. Despite the alarming findings, estimated daily intakes of MPs through fish consumption were found to be relatively low, suggesting that the immediate risk to human health might be minimal. However, concerns remain about the cumulative effects of long-term exposure to microplastics in food chains.
Dr. Ayisat emphasised the critical importance of addressing the root causes of plastic pollution.
“The widespread presence of microplastics in Nigeria’s inland rivers is a clear call to action. This issue goes beyond environmental degradation; it poses a threat to aquatic ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities that depend on these water bodies,” she stated.
The study’s findings come at a time when global attention is increasingly focused on the impact of plastic pollution. Inland rivers, which often serve as conduits for plastics entering the ocean, play a crucial role in the health of global aquatic ecosystems.
In Nigeria, these rivers are essential for local livelihoods, providing water for domestic use, agriculture, and fisheries. The contamination of these vital resources underscores the urgent need for effective waste management strategies.
Dr. Ayisat’s research also highlights the need for public awareness about the environmental consequences of plastic waste. Without intervention, the accumulation of microplastics could have far-reaching implications for biodiversity and the sustainability of freshwater ecosystems. The study calls for policymakers, industries, and communities to collaborate on solutions that prioritize recycling, reduce plastic use, and promote conservation practices.
The research provides a critical baseline for understanding the scope of microplastic pollution in Nigeria, where data on this issue has been limited. It adds to a growing body of evidence pointing to the global threat of microplastics, which the United Nations has identified as a major challenge to achieving sustainable development.
The presence of microplastics in Nigeria’s inland rivers not only underscores the global nature of this challenge but also the urgent need for localized interventions. The study’s findings are particularly relevant in a country where rapid urbanization, industrialization, and inadequate waste management systems have exacerbated environmental issues.
Dr. Ayisat stressed that mitigating microplastic pollution requires a multifaceted approach, including policy reform, infrastructure development, and behavioral change. She advocated for the enforcement of stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal, alongside the promotion of alternatives to single-use plastics. “Addressing this crisis demands coordinated action from all stakeholders—government, industry, and the public,” she added.
The study’s results have sparked dialogue among environmental scientists, policymakers, and advocacy groups, many of whom are now calling for the integration of plastic waste management into Nigeria’s broader environmental sustainability agenda. International organizations and donors are also being urged to support research and intervention efforts in the country to tackle this growing issue.
As Nigeria strives to balance economic growth with environmental conservation, the findings serve as a sobering reminder of the unintended consequences of industrial and urban expansion. The contamination of rivers with microplastics threatens not only aquatic life but also the health and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians who depend on these resources.
