ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF PLASTIC BAGS ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF PLASTIC BAGS ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

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ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF PLASTIC BAGS ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In many Western societies, the awareness of the so called “plastic pollution epidemic” and public and policy perceptions of the associated environmental [1] and potential health risks [2] are gaining momentum. One of the reasons for this heightened awareness is the quantity of media coverage of marine plastic pollution [3,4]. While the awareness/ knowledge of plastic pollution (on land and marine ecosystem) is arguably growing (especially in the Global North), there is limited awareness and knowledge of microplastics and nanoplastics globally, especially among the general public, and this is because of the dearth of research (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (henceforth SAPEA [5])).

In the African context, research has focused on land-based (macro) plastic pollution, and thus less is known about marine microplastics. The few available pieces of research on microplastic pollution are studies conducted in Southern Africa [6,7]. In Nigeria, scholars have focused primarily on solid waste management and the associated challenges [8–10]. Though several studies briefly highlight how poor waste management facilitates plastic pollution, there has been to date no research to explore marine microplastics in Nigeria, despite some work on other marine pollutants , which is beginning to emerge

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The scale of the problem is potentially exacerbated by the widespread use of cellophane/polythene plastic bags, which can compound the problem of plastic pollution in the country. According to Nnaji ([23], p.61),

Waste polythene is also beginning to pose a serious threat to municipal solid waste management in Nigeria. Though this material is highly recyclable, only a small fraction is actually recycled. This results in an ever-increasing quantity of polythene being released into the environment with the attendant effect of drainage blockage, clogging of farmlands and fueling of wildfires.

Lamenting the problem of pollution (particularly plastics) in Nigeria,

Plastic bags have become almost a national symbol of waste and decadence … the reality is dawning about the effect of plastic waste on our aquatic life. While plastic bags are not the only cause of pollution in Nigeria, they are perhaps the most evident of our garbage, blocking drainage systems, clogging waterways, littering streets and sewage banks … Lagos alone generates 9000 tonnes of waste daily; 86% of the waste generated consists of plastic bottles and bags. The lack of an efficient waste management system. The challenge of plastic pollution in Nigeria in the country accounts for why every waste finds its way into the rivers and the ocean.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY