Progress and future perspectives of microplastic research in Nigeria
Christian Ebere Enyoh, Andrew Wirnkor Verla, Franklyn Okechukwu Ohiagu, Emmanuel Chinedu Enyoh
Abstract
Microplastic research in Nigeria is progressing slowly. Within 2019–2020, only10research papers have been published on microplastic in Nigeria. Microplastics have been detected in lagoons and rivers water systems. This paper reviews the progress in microplastics research in Nigeria, providing information analytical methods and also giving consideration for quality control and assurance (QA/QC) measures. This paper further discusses the distribution of microplastics in surface water, sediment and marine organisms as well as recent progress in risk assessments.Finally, this paper provides suggestions for future studies to provide baseline information for better research and risk assessment of microplastics in the Nigerian environment such as focusing on air, drinking water, plants and other consumables.These will surely help us to understand the distribution and how much exposure inhabitants are to microplastic pollution and may necessitate the need to mitigate plastic pollution in Nigeria.