ANTHROPOGENIC DRIVERS AND ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF MICRO-PLASTIC POLLUTION IN NIGERIA WATERWAYS: A REVIEW

Abstract

This peer-reviewed field studies examines microplastic pollution in Nigerian waterways, by focusing on sources, distribution, ecological effects and human-health risks. Searches employed terms such as microplastic, Nigeria, Lagos Lagoon, Niger Delta, river, estuary and coastal; only papers supplying original data on particle numbers, shapes, polymer types or organism uptake were retained. Rapid expansion of the plastics industry, heavy reliance on single-use polyethylene water sachets and weak solid-waste systems drive widespread contamination. The review revealed that fibres dominate most samples, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate appear most frequently, urban and industrial zones carry higher loads than rural sites and seasonal rains influence both transport and timing. It was also observed that microplastics occur in the guts of key food fish including Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus. Ecological effects such as gut blockage, altered feeding and possible transfer of adsorbed chemicals is derive largely from laboratory work and limited field observations as clear evidence of broader population impacts remains scarce. Consequently, health estimates based on seafood intake rest on particle counts rather than toxicological data and must be treated carefully. Frequent consumers may ingest tens of thousands of particles yearly, yet the clinical meaning remain unclear. Moreover, major gaps persist there is scarce long-term data outside the South-West, inconsistent methods and almost no studies linking microplastics with other contaminants. In addition, the review recommends that standardised protocols, broader geographic coverage and stronger waste management plus regulation are required to limit further risks as hese measures would help curb ongoing exposure.