Here are some studies and reports highlighting the prevalence of microplastics in Nigerian drinking water:
1. A study published in the journal "Science of the Total Environment" in 2021 analyzed the presence of microplastics in drinking water from various sources in Lagos, Nigeria. The study found an average concentration of 10.4 microplastics per liter of tap water, 12.6 microplastics per liter of bottled water, and 18.7 microplastics per liter of sachet water.
2. Another study conducted by researchers from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in collaboration with the University of Bayreuth, Germany, investigated microplastics in drinking water sources in Ibadan. The study, published in the journal "Environmental Science and Pollution Research" in 2019, detected microplastics in 80% of tap water samples and 60% of bottled water samples analyzed.
3. A report published by the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in 2020 examined the occurrence of microplastics in sachet water samples collected from different locations in Lagos and Ibadan. The report found that all sachet water samples contained microplastics, with an average concentration ranging from 10 to 100 microplastics per liter.
4. A study conducted by researchers from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, analyzed microplastics in tap water samples from various public institutions in Owerri. The study, published in the journal "Environmental Monitoring and Assessment" in 2021, reported the presence of microplastics in all water samples, with an average concentration of 8.2 microplastics per liter.
These studies highlight the widespread presence of microplastics in Nigerian drinking water, regardless of the source (tap water, bottled water, or sachet water). The potential health effects of ingesting microplastics over time require further research and attention from policymakers and regulatory authorities to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water in Nigeria.
