MICROPLASTICS AS EMERGING CONTAMINANTS IN THE

ENVIRONMENT: A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA

A SEMINAR REPORT

BY

AGBASI, JOHNSON CHIBUIKEM

2019234020

TO THE

DEPARTMEMNT OF GEOLOGY, FACULTY OF PHYSICAL

SCIENCES, CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY,
ULI, ANAMBRA STATE

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS

FOR GLY 591 (SEMINAR)

SUPERVISOR: IKEGWUONU, O. N.

MARCH, 2024
 DEDICATION

I wish to dedicate this work to God Almighty, for his immense love and support in my

academic journey.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am highly indebted to my supervisor, Mr. O.N. Ikegwuonu, for his wonderful

cooperation and guide in the course of making this work a total success.

I must say a big ‘thank you’ to other lecturers, who in one way or the other
contributed to the success of this work.

My special appreciation goes to my lovely parents (Mr. and Mrs. O.C. Agbasi),
family, and mentor (Dr. J.C. Egbueri), for their encouragements and financial support in my
academic pursuit.

Finally, I acknowledge Precious Nnubia, and all my friends that also contributed to
the success of this work. God bless you all!

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 ABSTRACT

The escalating presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment poses a significant threat
to ecosystems worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. This seminar report delves into the
multifaceted issue of microplastic pollution, exploring its sources, environmental impacts,
existing policies, and potential solutions within the Nigerian context. The report begins with
an introduction, providing a comprehensive overview of the study's objectives. Chapters one
and two meticulously examine the primary and secondary sources of microplastics, ranging
from plastic pellets to personal care products, shedding light on the diverse origins of these
pollutants. Chapter three presents detailed reports on microplastic contamination in Nigeria,
specifically focusing on surface water, sediment, biota, and the associated environmental
impacts. The analysis extends to effects on aquatic and terrestrial habitats, as well as the
atmosphere, with a dedicated section on the toxicological effects of microplastics on human
health. Chapter four investigates existing policies related to microplastics and proposes
solutions to tackle plastic pollution. The solutions encompass waste management strategies,
resource optimization, economic considerations, and societal interventions. The seminar
concludes with Chapter five, summarizing key findings and offering recommendations for
future research and policy initiatives in Nigeria. The report emphasizes the growing need for
international collaboration, unified research methodologies, and the development of state-of-
the-art laboratories to bridge the existing data gap on microplastics in the country. In light of
the evolving nature of microplastics research globally, the report underscores the importance
of advancing studies in Nigeria beyond the current stage of detection to focus on risk
assessment, modeling microplastics transfer through the food web, and establishing
guidelines or regulations. The government's role is highlighted in supporting research
infrastructure and implementing effective waste management measures, including recycling,
reuse of water, and the transformation of waste into power. Ultimately, this seminar report
calls for a concerted effort to address the destructive impacts of microplastics in Nigeria,
emphasizing the necessity for low-cost, high-quality, and environmentally sustainable plastic
waste management practices.

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Classification of plastics based on sizes (Napper et al. 2015)

Figure 2 Sources of microplastics (Lonnstedt et al. 2016)

Figure 3 Microplastic reports in Nigeria

Figure 4 Some influential mechanisms of microplastics on marine organisms (Cole and

Sherrington 2016)

Figure 5 Effects of microplastics on terrestrial organisms (Karlsson et al. 2018)

Figure 6 Transfer pathway of MPs from the atmosphere to man and its effects (Wang et al.
2019)

Figure 7 Microplastics in the human body (Horton et al. 2017)

Figure 8 One possible entry of contaminants [e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

(PAHs)] and microplastics in the human body through the food chain (Akindele et al. 2020)

Figure 9 International organizations that have relevance to marine litter and microplastics
(Niu et al. 2021)

Figure 10 Common drivers result in a diverse framing of the problem of plastic pollution and
its causes. This determines the set of preferred solutions (Mintenig et al. 2019)

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page…………………………….………………………….…………………..…………i
Dedication…………………………………………………………………………..…………ii
Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………………iii
Abstract………………………………………………………………………...……………..iv
List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………....v
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………………..vi
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………1
1.1 Background of Study………………………………………………………………………1
1.2 Aims and Objectives………………………………………………………………………4
CHAPTER TWO: SOURCES OF MICROPLASTICS…………………………………...5
2.1 Primary Source of microplastics…………………………………………………...……...5
2.1.1 Plastic Pellets (Raw Materials)…………………………………………………...……...5
2.1.2 Personal Care Products…………………………………………………...……………...6
2.1.3 Paint……………………………………………………………………………………...6
2.1.4 Washing Wastewater…………………………………………………………………….7
2.1.5 Vehicle Tire Wear……………………………………………………………………….7
2.2 Secondary Source of MPs…………………………………………………………..……..8
2.2.1 Plastic Bags……………………………………………………………….……………..8
2.2.2 Plastic Bottles……………………………………………………………..……………..9
2.2.3 Fishing Wastes…………………………………………………………………………..9
2.2.4 Others…………………………………………………………………………………..10
CHAPTER THREE: REPORTS ON MPs IN NIGERIA AND THEIR
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS…………………………………………………………..11
3.1 Reports……..……………………………………………………………………………..11
3.1.1 Surface water…………………………………………………………………………...12
3.1.2 Sediment………………………………………………………………………………..13
3.1.3 Biota…………………………………………………………………..………………..13
3.2 Environmental Impacts……………………………………………………….…………..14
3.2.1 Effects of MPS in aquatic habitats……………………………………………………..14
3.2.2 Effects of MPS in terrestrial habitats…………………………………..………………16
3.2.3 Effects of MPS in the atmosphere………………………………………………….…..17
3.2.4 Toxicological effects of MPs on human health………………………………………...19

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CHAPTER FOUR: EXISTING POLICIES AND SOLUTIONS TO PLASTIC
POLLUTION………………………………………………………………………………..24
4.1 Existing policy frameworks related to microplastics………………………...…………..24
4.2 Solutions to Plastic Pollution……………………………………….………..…………..28
4.2.1 What Are We Trying to Solve? ………………………………………………………..28
4.2.2 Solving the Waste Problem…………………………………………………..………...29
4.2.3 Solving the Resource Problem……………………………………………..…………..32
4.2.4 Solving the Economic Problem……………………………………….………………..33
4.2.5 Solving the Societal Problem…………………………………………………………..35
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS………....………..37
REFERENCES………………………………………………………………….…………..37

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