A key theme at This year’sPlastic pollution is a concern of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Kenya. It will be returning back to a ThemeFrom 2018 World Environment Day. The EvidencePlastic pollution is a growing problem. The assembly must be addressed. Take chargeThis issue.
Individuals, communities and businesses all have a role to play in reducing plastic pollution in their environment.
Some countries needed an extra push to launch or appraise their initiatives against plastic pollution. The 2018 World Environment Day was a great example. One example is India, which has committed to reducing and eliminating single-use plastics in all Indian States by 2022. Many IndiansThis initiative has been supported by many people. A ban on single-use plastics in the country is expected to be implemented. Take effectBeginning July 20, 222.
Unfortunately, Nigeria isn’t doing much in this area. Comparable to other countries Developing countriesSuch as Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda. TanzaniaIts commitments to fighting plastic pollution are much lower than average.
Nigerians are prone to plastic pollution
Lagos, Nigeria’s megacity Nearly 16 million people, produces between 13,000- 15,000 tonnes of trash per day. 2,250 tonnes plasticAccording to a local recycling company, it is.
Nigerian lawmakers consideredA bill to ban plastic bags was introduced in 2019. The bill is still awaiting final approval. It is still under review and has not been made into law. In Nigeria, plastic bags are used indiscriminately.
The evidence is mounting of the damage this causes.
My research group published First empirical findingNigerian freshwater microplastics. As biological indicators of plastic contamination, we used snails taken from the Osun River in Southwest Nigeria. The river’s snails had eaten plastic bags made of polyethylene, which were also common along riverbanks.
We also have FoundPlastic polymers include polypropylene and polyester. Our study found that plastic polymers can be traced back to different sources, including textiles, biscuit wrappers and automotive tyre cords. Bottle caps and drinking straws are also possible. We also found larger items in rivers like plastic bags, plastic bottles, and tyres. Studies show that these plastics could have an adverse effect on the environment. Your life historySurvival, growth, and Insect larvae development into adults.
Our studies on plastic pollution in Nigeria, mainly freshwater, were published in marinePlastics have been found in many environments. Fish too.
Plastics have a negative impact
When animals ingest plasticsIt blocks their gut and windpipe, and reduces their physiological fitness. Plastics can also be ingrained in aquatic animals. The result?In malnutrition and death.
Plastics DegradeThe aesthetic value of Nigerian landscapes, and aquatic systems. This could compromise cultural ecosystem services like ecotourism.
Plastic pollution has become a serious problem in Nigeria. People who visit beaches and riversbanks, parks, and waterfalls often dump their plastic bottles without thinking about the environmental dangers.
In one casePlastic bottles were discovered at a natural location where an ecologically significant rare insect was found.
Our studiesIt has been shown that plastic can alter the water-holding capacity in drains, rivers channels, and reservoirs. This Leadsflooding adjacent lands, loss of biological diversity and livelihoods
People also don’t get the benefits of losing natural sites to plastic pollution. health benefits of outdoor activity.
Action to End Plastic Pollution in Nigeria
It will take multiple fronts to combat plastic pollution from Nigeria.
The first step is to fix the poor waste management practices in the country.
Businesses will also have to stop giving away plastic bags. These bags are often Toss awayAfter one use.
To discourage this practice, governments should impose a high price on every plastic bag shoppers buy at markets and malls. The cost of a bag could discourage people to throw them away after only one use. Paper bags, Used in UgandaEncouragement of this should be given. Packaging is important because it helps to keep things clean. leading causeNigeria’s government must take action to reduce plastic pollution and ban plastic bags and plastic bottles from the country. The public must be taught the three Rs: reduce. recycle. and reuse plastic materials.
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Due to a shortage of water in many homes, water sachets have multiplied in Nigeria. The government must Educate the publicIt is important to warn about the dangers associated with dumping water bottles or sachets into the environment. Access to clean water must be guaranteed.
Whatever strategy the government uses, it will not be effective unless the long-awaited “plastic pollution bill” is passed and signed into law by Nigerian legislators.
Citizens and leaders are responsible for leaving a legacy that Nigerians can be proud to be proud of. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have taken steps to protect the environment from plastic pollution. Nigeria cannot afford to wait.
Emmanuel O. Akindele, Senior Lecturer, Obafemi Awolowo University
